One Dead After Cement Carrier Sinks

Published Jan 2, 2015 3:15 PM by Wendy Laursen

The Philippine Coast Guard has confirmed that 19 crew members have now been rescued from life boats after the sinking of the cement carrier Sea Merchant in Batangas on January 1.

A passing merchant vessel, Mactan Island, rescued 11 of the crew after receiving a distress call from the vessel. Another man, chief engineer Almarito Anciano, died possibly as a result of hitting his head while evacuating from the vessel.

Sea Merchant was carrying 20,040 bags of cement and was en route to Antique from Bauan Port.

Celso Rey Baiza, chief officer of the vessel, has said that they were suddenly battered by big waves and strong winds on the port side. The cement cargo shifted to the starboard side causing it to list by 10 degrees.

The master ordered the chief mate to arrest the list by shifting the ship’s heading while the engine crew tried to take up ballast water on the port side. However, three consecutive big waves continued to batter the ship causing it to take in more water. Sea Merchant subsequently sank few minutes after the chief mate initiated the distress call.

Sea Merchant was owned by Fortune Sea Carrier.

Image credit: Diamantino Rosa