Boat sinks off Batanes; 2 missing

MANILA, Philippines – Two crewmembers were reported missing when their boat sank off Itbayat, Batanes on Monday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said yesterday.

Cmdr. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesperson, said search and rescue operations are underway for Abillo Rufino and Judelon Puig, chief engineer and chief mate, respectively, of M/V Kanzam Express.

Rogelio Alavar, second engineer Christian Rey Cristobal, seamen Randy Apao and Jhon Vincent Rojas and oiler Elper Perez were rescued by M/V Ingrid C.

“I would have wanted to talk to the rescued Filipino crewmen to know what happened to their ship, but they are on their way to Kaohsiung in Taiwan,” said Balilo.

Balilo said the Taiwanese Coast Guard sent Wei Shung to help in the search and rescue operations, but backed out due to rough seas.

The PCG’s BRP Tubbataha in Zambales was also supposed to go to Batanes, but encountered big waves in Pangasinan. 

Ingrid C reportedly saw Kanzam Express sinking at around 46.4 nautical miles southwest off Itbayat. 

Balilo said the PCG issued a Notice to Mariners to vessels and asked their crew to provide assistance if they found the two crewmen.

He said the PCG would also conduct an aerial search.