1 killed in sea mishap during Holy Week — Coast Guard

One person was reported killed, while two others survived a sea accident during the Holy Weak, the head of the Philippine Coast Guard said on Sunday. Citing initial reports, Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said the sea mishap had occurred somewhere in Southern Luzon. He did not say when the accident took place. “The [outrigger] that sank off Southern Luzon had three passengers, one of whom did not survive. That is the only accident we have recorded," Tamayo told dzBB radio in Filipino. He added that the outrigger, which was not registered, encountered engine trouble and forced the passengers to abandon it. Tamayo admitted they had little information on the incident since it had not been reported to them. He also said no major accidents occurred during the Holy Week. “We are heartened with the cooperation of shipping companies against overloading and excess passengers," he said. Meanwhile, Tamayo said the Coast Guard would remain on heightened alert as passengers who spent the Holy Week in the provinces return to the metro. During the Christmas holidays last year, the Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) came under fire for the sinking of interisland vessel M/V Catalyn B and passenger ferry M/V Baleno 9 off Cavite and Batangas province, respectively. M/V Catalyn B sank last Christmas Eve after colliding with a steel-hulled fishing vessel. At least 25 died in the tragedy. (See: BMI to start probe on Cavite sea mishap Monday) Three days later, on December 27, the M/V Baleno 9 sank off Verde Island in Batangas province. At least six people were confirmed dead, while 44 others went missing. (See: New record raises number of missing passengers of Baleno 9 to 44) Last month, the Coast Guard warned tourists to be wary of unregistered sea vessels. (See: Coast Guard warns summer tourists vs unregistered sea vessels) — SMD/NPA, GMANews.TV