PCG searches for missing freighter off Marinduque

The Philippine Coast Guard is conducting search-and-rescue operations for a 498-ton cargo vessel that went missing after encountering big waves off Marinduque province. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said Sunday the vessel from Cebu had 17 crew members and was heading for Manila. "Nasabing nasiraan ang freighter malapit sa Dos Hermanas Island sa Marinduque, ito ay sinalubong ng malaking alon kaya nawalan ng radio contact (It is possible the vessel encountered engine trouble after being battered by big waves off Dos Hermanas Island in Marinduque. It lost radio contact)," Tamayo said on dzBB radio. He said the Coast Guard received reports about a missing vessel Saturday, and issued a notice to mariners to help search for it. On the other hand, he admitted the Coast Guard is having problems in its search operations due to bad weather conditions. Tamayo said the Coast Guard had deployed three vessels and one aircraft to look for the missing freighter. "Big waves are hampering our rescue efforts," he said. Meanwhile, Tamayo said the Coast Guard has "rescued" some 18 crew members from a distressed Chinese vessel. Citing initial reports reaching him, he said the vessel sent a distress call after encountering big waves en route from China to Indonesia. He said the vessel was to be towed to Batangas and was expected to arrive port at 5 p.m. —LBG, GMANews.TV