PCG ends search, rescue ops for sunken vessel crew

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ended yesterday its search and rescue operations for six missing crewmembers of a fishing boat that sank off the coast of Baganga, Davao Oriental on June 22.

The PCG said the missing fishermen may be trapped in Genesis 2, which sank 5,000 feet below the sea some 182 nautical miles off Baganga.

Despite terminating search and rescue operations, the PCG said its southeastern Mindanao district would continue to alert vessels near the area to be on the lookout for the missing fishermen.

The fishing boat sank after a sudden change in the sea condition, according to the survivors.

Three of the 23 crewmembers died while 14 were rescued.

The bodies of the victims had been turned over to their families.

The PCG had deployed its BRP Tubbataha while the owner of the fishing boat sent its fleet to conduct search and rescue operations.