Sinking Of M/V Edago Expedition: Families of crewmen continue to seek for justice

CEBU, Philippines - Families of crewmen who went missing when the M/V Edago Expedition sank off the seas of Antique two years ago gathered a mass and a simple ceremony in Talisay City yesterday to commemorate the fateful incident.

Jessica Quintana, wife of crew member Felipe Quintana, said they will continue to search for their loved ones with hope that they may still be alive.

Only two crew memberssurvived when the M/V Edago Expedition sank off Maniquin Island at Bosyo Point in Antique near Pandan Port on May 15, 2008. The vessel was carrying 24,500 sacks of salt at the time of the incident.

Only two survived of the 13 crewmen on board.

The missing crew members were identified as Raymundo Dairo Sonoria, Marlon Enad, Anthony Agripilo, Errol L. Israel, Rhowel C. Espina, Andres Conejos, Lito L. Pagapong, Felipe S. Quintana, Arnel Silangan, Aldin V. Bartolabac and Carmelito Yong.

Yesterday, the families of the missing crew members said they still could not accept what had happened to their loved ones. They said closure is even harder, considering that the case they have filed against Edago Lighterage Philippines, the owner of the vessel, is still pending in court. 

They also appealed for support from the Philippine Coast Guard and for the government agency not to side with the shipping company.

They said it is painful that the case is yet to find resolution when that of the sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars in July of the same year was given immediate action.

The two survivors testified that the cargo vessel departed San Jose, Mindoro, at 2pm on May 14 en route to Zamboanga City. Between 3am to 4am the next day, the weather reportedly worsened, but the captain ordered the crew to abandon the ship only at 11:30 am.

After the mass yesterday, a makeshift banca loaded with offerings such as candles, flowers, and balloons was made to float out to sea – a symbolic gesture on the part of the grieving families to send their prayers and message of hope to their missing loved ones.  (FREEMAN NEWS)