The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) resumed its search for the four missing Filipino crew members of cargo vessel M/V Devon Bay.
In a statement, the PCG said it deployed an Islander aircraft at around 7:20 a.m. to conduct an aerial search in the area.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua also carried out radio communications with vessels transiting waters about 141 nautical miles west-northwest of Tambobong, Pangasinan, as part of ongoing rescue operations.
“All transiting vessels in the area are requested to proceed with caution, maintain a sharp lookout, and render assistance as necessary, in accordance with international maritime regulations,” a PCG radio operator said.
On Friday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila reported that two Filipino seafarers had died after their Singaporean-flagged vessel capsized in waters near Scarborough Shoal. The Devon Bay, loaded with iron ore, was en route from the Philippines to China and had 21 Filipino crew members on board.
According to the Chinese embassy, 17 crew members were rescued. 14 in stable condition, two confirmed dead and one undergoing emergency medical treatment. The PCG, however, said it has yet to independently confirm the reported fatalities.
The coast guard said the vessel was last located around 8:30 p.m. Thursday, some 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point, Ango Bay, Pangasinan. It added that a distress report indicated the ship was already listing at about 25 degrees at the time.
