Ship runs aground off Palawan; over 200 passengers still missing

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday continued its search for the remaining passengers and crew of M/V SuperFerry 1, who remained missing after the vessel ran aground off Ditaytayan Island in Coron, Palawan late Sunday night.

PCG spokesman Lt. Commander Algier Ricafrente said that 424 persons had been rescued including the 399 passengers and 25 crewmen, as of noon yesterday.

The ship, which was traveling from Puerto Princesa City to Coron, has 143 crew and 618 passengers on board.

 “It was a good thing that the weather was good and there were many rescuers. The vessel was stuck less than 20 nautical miles from Coron, Palawan, so it was accessible to the rescuers,” said Ricafrente.

The PCG, using the M/V Banton Pearl and M/V Cathalyn-E 1, conducted search and rescue operations. M/V Josille-2, M/V Sitti Razna, two PCG ships – BRP EDSA and MCS-3002 – also came to the aid of the M/V SuperFerry 1.

The maritime agency also dispatched the PCG Islander stationed in Puerto Princesa and one of their helicopters to search for the missing passengers.