28 rescued as yacht sinks off Tubbataha

MANILA, Philippines — At least 28 people were rescued while four are still missing after a dive yacht sank in the waters off Tubbataha, Palawan yesterday morning, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

In a radio interview, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said that at 6:49 a.m., the PCG Command Center received information from Coast District Palawan regarding the sinking of the M/Y Dream Keeper.

“We rescued at least 28, including four Chinese, while four are still missing. These are all Filipinos,” Balilo said.

Balilo added that those missing include the dive master, the owner of the yacht and two other passengers.

“The ship of the Philippine Coast Guard and other assets are still in the area and we are sending our air assets to locate the four missing individuals,” Balilo added.

According to Balilo, an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident after the four missing individuals are finally found.

“We cannot still determine the cause of the sinking of the dive yacht as our focus is to rescue the four missing individuals,” Balilo added.

According to Balilo, aside from the PCG, members of the Philippine Navy are in the area to help in the rescue efforts.

“This Dream Keeper accommodates tourists who want to have diving experience in Tubbataha and we will determine the cause of the sinking as there was good weather condition when the incident happened,” he said.

Balilo said the rescued passengers are now onboard the PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua and undergoing physical checkup.

“They will be brought to Puerto Princesa, Palawan,” he added.

Based on the report of the PCG, the dive yacht departed from San Remegio, Cebu City at 4 p.m. on April 27, and arrived at Tubbataha Reef at around 10 p.m. on April 29.

The PCG immediately dispatched the BRP Melchora Aquino to conduct search and rescue operations.

The Coast Guard Sub-Station Tubbataha and other dive boats in the area helped in the search and rescue operations.