Two Cargo Ships Sink In Philippines, 32 Total Crew Members Rescued

A cement-loaded cargo vessel sank in the central Philippines this weekend, and another ship carrying iron ore went down near the country’s eastern coast, according to the Coast Guard. The total 32 crew members from both ships were rescued safely.

Panamanian-registered M/V Sun Spirit, loaded with iron ore, began listing off Catanduanes province and sent out a distress signal. Coast guard officials deployed three ships and a helicopter for search and rescue, however, a Philippine cargo ship and fishing boat in the vicinity saved the crew of 14 who abandoned ship. Members consisted of 12 Indonesians and 2 Koreans.

No reason for the ship’s sinking has been determined yet. It was bound for China from Leyte.

Unconnectedly, a Philippine cargo ship with 18 Filipino crewmen sank off central Antique after its hull came in contact with a hard object and began taking on water. The men were again rescued by fishing boats in the area, say Coast Guard officials. The M/V Seaford 2 was headed for Antique with 35,000 cement sacks onboard.

Any possible oil spill from the sunken vessel is being monitored closely. It did leave a southern Iligan city with over 2,000 gallons of oil for fuel.