Cargo ship sinks off Camiguin

CEBU CITY—A cargo vessel loaded with 3,150 metric tons of limestone sank in the waters between Camiguin Island and Bohol on Friday after it was battered by strong waves.

No casualties were reported.

The 26 crew members of LCT 378, of Cebu Sea Charterer Inc. based in Cebu City, were rescued by crewmen of MV Ton Ying, a Singaporean vessel which happened to pass by the area.

The survivors were brought to the Coast Guard Station in Dapitan City, Misamis Oriental, said Lt. junior grade Robinson Madriaga, head of the Coast Guard Station in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

In a report of the Philippine Coast Guard based in Tagbilaran, LCT 378 left Garcia Hernandez town around 11 p.m. on Thursday and was heading for Cagayan de Oro City to deliver the limestones.

But the vessel was battered by strong waves and wind due to heavy rain on Friday night, said Madriaga.

Ship captain Edilberto Jugarap Sr. sent a distress call at 7 p.m. upon reaching Camiguin Island due to big waves and strong winds.

Three hours later, the vessel began to tilt on one side, prompting Jugarap to order his crew to abandon ship, said Madriaga.