Fifteen Filipino seafarers rescued from a cargo ship that capsized in the South China Sea arrived safely in Manila on Monday, while search operations continued for four missing crew members, officials said.
Two sailors were confirmed dead in the incident involving the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier MV Devon Bay, according to the Department of Migrant Workers.
The vessel, carrying 21 Filipino crew members and a shipment of iron ore, capsized on Jan. 23 about 141 nautical miles (261 kilometers) west of Pangasinan province, inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. It was en route from Zamboanga del Norte in the southern Philippines to Guangdong, China.
The survivors and the bodies of the deceased were transported to Manila aboard the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua. They were met at the port by officials including Department of Migrant Workers Officer-in-Charge Felicitas Bay.
“The 15 rescued seafarers are in generally stable condition,” the department said in a statement.
Chinese authorities also participated in the response, launching a joint rescue operation near Scarborough Shoal and deploying military aircraft and coast guard ships to assist.
The department said it is providing medical and welfare assistance to the survivors and is coordinating with the families of all crew members. The Philippine Coast Guard assured the public that search and rescue operations remain ongoing for the four missing sailors.
