The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced Monday the rescue of 15 Filipinos and four Koreans from a Panamanian vessel that sank off Eastern Samar.
The vessel, MV Hera, skippered by Korean Captain Gu Jauk is Panama-registered. It came from Papua Guinea and was en route to Jangiagang, China when it encountered trouble.
Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, PCG commandant, said the 19 crews composed of 15 Filipinos and four Koreans are all safe and in good condition.
Aboard a lifeboat, the 19 were towed about 8:50 a.m. Monday by F/B Pilano-3 with PCG personnel at the vicinity of barangay Sta Monica, Tubabao Island.
Lieutenant Commander Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said the Coast Guard Action Center (CGAC) received at about 8:15 p.m. Sunday a report from the Hong Kong Maritime Coordinating Center requesting for assistance to conduct search and rescue operations to a reported distressed vessel 11 nautical miles east of Hilaban Island, Samar.
Per initial report received, one of the crews was able to call their office in Manila, stating that all of them were able to board a lifeboat.
Immediately, the CGAC directed Coast Guard District Central Eastern Visayas, Coast Guard Station Catbalogan, PCG-BFAR MCS 3003 and PCG-BFAR MCS 3008 to verify veracity of the reported incident.
The PCG issued Notice of Mariners to vessels transiting the area to be on the lookout for said vessel and lifeboat, and to render necessary assistance if sighted.
Coordination was also made with the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force units in the area. (PNA)
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