PCG to probe sinking of vessel off Western Visayas

The Philippine Coast Guard is investigating the sinking of a vessel off Western Visayas on Sunday where 168 passengers and crew members were rescued. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag also ordered the deployment of maritime pollution equipment to the area in anticipation of a possible oil spill. "With the sinking of the vessel, Admiral Liwag has also directed Coast Guard District Western Visayas to prepare its maritime pollution equipment while the two Coast Guard vessels and one helicopter [were] also directed to conduct survey and monitor the incident area for possible oil spill brought about by the sinking of MV Asia Malaysia," the Coast Guard said in an update posted on its website Sunday evening. "Admiral Liwag has also ordered the probe to determine the cause of the incident," it added. Earlier, Liwag said 168 passengers and crew members were rescued from the MV Asia Malaysia, which listed before sinking some four nautical miles southeast off Culasi, Panay Island around 8:50 a.m.

Initial reports reaching the Coast Guard showed the MV Asia Malaysia departed the Port of Cebu around 6 p.m. Saturday, bound for Iloilo City. But at around 4:45 a.m. Sunday, the Bohol Coast Guard received a call from a passenger aboard the MV Asia Malaysia that the ship was listing to starboard. Coast Guard teams from Visayas, Iloilo, Bacolod, Ajuy (Iloilo), Estancia, and Cadiz were alerted to the area. Liwag also deployed the search-and-rescue vessels BRP Edsa and BRP Corregidor and one helicopter to assist in the search and rescue operations. "The rescued passengers were being brought to Iloilo City and Bredco, Bacolod City where other Coast Guard personnel, Medical Team and Local Government units are waiting for immediate medical attention and other necessary assistance to ensure the health and safety of all survivors," the Coast Guard said. — KBK, GMA News