Coast Guard sets deadlines for Catalyn B, Baleno 9 search ops

Heartened by the retrieval of two bodies from the sunken wooden vessel Catalyn B, the Coast Guard intensified Sunday its search operations for bodies of victims in two maritime tragedies that occurred during the holidays. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo also set deadlines for search, rescue and retrieval operations for victims from the Catalyn B and the Baleno 9. In a radio interview, Tamayo gave Coast Guard teams until the end of this week to finish search operations for the Catalyn B, and up to 10 days for the Baleno 9. “Malaking tulong ang remotely operated vehicle sa deep sea diving operations. Ituluy-tuloy natin ang daily operations, kunin lahat ang mga labi mula sa wreckage ng Catalyn B (The remotely operated vehicle was a big help in deep-sea diving operations. The search operations will continue)," Tamayo said in an interview on dzBB radio. “Within the week matapos natin ito (We expect to finish the search operations for Catalyn B victims within this week)," he added. The wooden-hulled Catalyn B sank after colliding with the metal-hulled fishing vessel Anatalya off Cavite before dawn of Dec. 24. At least five were confirmed dead and 22 still missing after two bodies were recovered Saturday. Philippine Coast Guard auxiliary divers assisted by American diver Matthew Caldwell retrieved the remains of Alex Masangkay, 30; and Lea Ann Tejoso reportedly in her 20s. Once the search operations end, the Board of Marine Inquiry will start its investigation into the Catalyn-Anatalya incident, Tamayo said. He added he expects the Board of Marine Inquiry to finish its investigation in 15 days. Tamayo said the search-and-rescue vessel BRP Pampanga resumed search, rescue and retrieval operations early Sunday for bodies from Catalyn B. Meanwhile, Tamayo said he has given 10 days for search, rescue and retrieval operations for victims of the RORO vessel Baleno 9, which sank off Batangas last December 26. At least six were confirmed dead while some 44 passengers and crew remain missing. “Nagbigay ako ng 10 na araw timeline for search rescue and retrieval operations. Matapos ang 10 araw simula agad ang BMI, they will have 15 days to finish the investigation (I gave a 10-day timeline for search, rescue and retrieval operations. After the 10 days, the Board of Marine Inquiry will start its investigation and will have 15 days to finish its probe)," Tamayo said. Meanwhile, Tamayo reiterated his order to all Coast Guard units nationwide to remain vigilant as vacationers return from the provinces where they spent the holidays. Also, he noted several instances of vessels that had encountered engine trouble at sea. “May standing order ako to remain vigilant and alert sa pagtutok at pagsubaybay sa paglakbay (I have a standing order to them to remain vigilant and alert in ensuring maritime safety)," he said. - LBG, GMANews.TV