Death toll rises to 4 after MV Hong Hai capsizes off Occidental Mindoro

Metro Manila, Philippines - Two more crew members have died after sand carrier vessel MV Hong Hai 16 capsized in the waters off Occidental Mindoro, raising the death toll to four, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Thursday, April 17.

The PCG said the two bodies were recovered from the vessel’s accommodation area and cabin on Thursday morning.

The coast guard earlier announced that a Filipino and a Chinese crew member have died.

Responders are still looking for seven missing crew members.

“Surface search efforts in the vicinity are being conducted by Coast Guard Sub-Station Sablayan personnel, while the Coast Guard Special Operations Group has begun underwater inspection and search operations,” the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog said.

Fourteen individuals have survived.

Meanwhile, responders initially observed a light sheen and marine diesel odor in the vicinity of MV Hong Hai 16. Oil spill booms were laid to prevent the oil from spreading.

Based on initial reports, MV Hong Hai 16 was carrying 2,000 liters of lube oil and 30,000 liters of automotive diesel oil.

“Given that diesel is classified as non-persistent, it is expected to dissipate naturally due to prevailing wind and wave conditions. At this time, no immediate environmental threat has been identified,” the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog said.

As of posting, the PCG said there is no visible oil sheen.

MV Hong Hai 16 capsized despite moderate sea conditions near Barangay Malawaan, Rizal in Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday afternoon.