Cargo vessel capsizes in Surigao del Sur

MV PACIFICA 1 capsizes within the vicinity waters of the Hinatuan Island and Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte on Friday morning. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)

UPDATED MANILA, Philippines — A cargo vessel capsized in the vicinity waters of Hinatuan Island and Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte on Friday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo told reporters that the incident involving M/V Pacifica occurred at around 8:30 in the morning, prompting the Coast Guard to conduct a search and rescue operation.

Balilo said all of the 23 crew were rescued and in good physical condition.

PCG said the cargo vessel departed from Cabadbaran Port in Agusan del Norte going to Dapa Port in Surigao del Norte.

“While underway, they encountered big waves about three meters high that entered the engine room, resulting in engine trouble and steering casualty,” the PCG said in its report, citing the vessel’s captain.

Meanwhile, the PCG is assessing the vicinity waters for a possible oil spill.

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JMS