Coast Guard searches for 10 missing crew members in WVisayas

Search-and-rescue operations are now ongoing for at least 10 crew members of a fishing vessel that sank off Western Visayas Tuesday night. The Philippine Coast Guard said the fishing banca Salvan sank in an area between Iloilo and Anini-y in Antique at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Citing initial reports, the Coast Guard said Wednesday the fishing banca Salvan left Dawahon Bato in Leyte en route to Palawan to fish at 5 a.m. last Monday. But it sank after encountering "unfavorable weather and sea condition." While the vessel was half-submerged, one of the crew members, Elizaldo Alfreda, contacted a relative through cell phone asking for help and informing her of their last position and situation. The Coast Guard Western Visayas District then directed BRP Davao del Norte (SARV-3504) to conduct search and rescue operations. It also sent a Notice to Mariners and attempted to contact the cell phone numbers of the ill-fated vessel's crew but could not get in touch with them. Board of Marine Inquiry Meanwhile, the Coast Guard has formed a new inquiry board to look into the sinking of a freighter off Southern Luzon in the wake of Tropical Storm Ester (Dianmu). Radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo reported Wednesday that Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo ordered Commodore Cecil Chen to head the Special Board of Marine Inquiry. Expected to head the list of people who will testify at the inquiry is the doomed vessel’s captain Joselito Cortejos, who was among the rescued crew members. The Coast Guard also advised Cortejos to file a marine protest where he will narrate what happened to the vessel. Cortejos will also be asked to explain why he did not immediately inform authorities that his ship was in danger, the dzBB report said. As of Wednesday, Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Armand Balilo said at least four people were reported killed in the wake of the sinking, while three had been rescued. At least 10 remain missing. Reports from the National Disaster Coordinating Council and the Coast Guard indicated that the MV SF Freighter, with 16 crew and loaded with steel bars, departed Manila at 8:30 p.m. Thursday en route to Cebu City. It was last reported off Dos Hermanas Island in Marinduque. The last contact it made with its base was at 2 a.m. Saturday. The Coast Guard said the vessel developed engine trouble after being battered by heavy waves and strong winds at 1:30 p.m. Saturday until it sank. Its crew used two life rafts and lifejackets in abandoning the ship. Rescued were Cortejos, crane operator Jerry Cortez, and assistant engineer Joseph Jabonete. — RSJ, GMANews.TV