Cargo vessel with 10 crew members missing in Occidental Mindoro

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday said it is conducting search and rescue operations for a missing cargo vessel with 10 crew members near Paluan, Occidental Mindoro. 

In a statement, the PCG said MV Sta. Monica-A1 departed Sta. Cruz Port in Taytay, Palawan and was heading to Barangay Casian when it sought shelter due to the bad weather on October 22.

“The vessel was reported unreachable by the clearing officer on 27 October 2024. Multiple attempts to contact the crew, consisting of 10 members, including the captain, have since been unsuccessful,” the PCG said.

A resident of Barangay Marikit reported sightings of two floating cadavers and an undetermined number of dead carabaos 14 nautical miles off Paluan on Monday, according to the PCG.

Another resident of Barangay Tayamaan, Mamburao informed a coast guard substation on Tuesday that his nephew had recovered a life jacket marked "MV STA MONICA-A1" and two unmarked life rings around 10 nautical miles off Paluan during a fishing trip. 

Coast Guard Substation Mamburao secured the recovered items.

On Sunday, some fishermen from several barangays in Mamburao also reported the recovery of 10 empty LPG tanks during their fishing ventures. 

“In response to the developments, the PCG-251 Islander of PCG conducted an aerial search over the waters off North East El Nido and Mamburao, Mindoro, in an effort to locate further signs of the missing vessel,” the PCG said.

“The PCG continues its coastal and seaborne patrols in search of further debris and signs of the missing vessel,” it added.

Representatives from the ship owner have coordinated with the Coast Guard for updates, according to the PCG.

“...Search operations will persist, weather and sea conditions permitting,” the PCG said

—VAL, GMA Integrated News