1 missing as boat sinks off Tawi-Tawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - A cargo vessel sunk off the waters of Tawi-Tawi leaving one passenger missing, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

The other 21 passengers were rescued.

The missing victim was identified as two-year old Alexander Jumdain, according to Lt. Commander Eliezer Dalnay, spokesman of the PCG Southwestern district.

The official said M/L Virginia, an unregistered cargo vessel skippered by Hadj. Fernando Bakil with 7 crew members and 14 passengers, departed from the Chinese Pier in Jolo, Sulu and was bound for Sipangkot Island in Sibuto town when it sunk off Tongabakkaan Wednesday about 3 p.m.

Dalnay disclosed M/L Virginia had encountered engine trouble due to strong sea current and drifted towards the shallow waters hitting the rocky areas and damaged its hull and sunk.

The skipper, crews and the passengers, jumped overboard and were rescued by a passenger vessel M/L Piaksah.

Jumdain, however, went missing and has been the subject of search operation.

Dalnay said all the survivors were brought to Sipangkot Island.

The coast guard alerted all vessels plying the route to be aware of any signs of the missing passenger.