2 dead as cargo vessel sinks off Palawan

MANILA, Philippines – At least two people were killed and dozens were missing after a passenger-cargo vessel sank off Palawan Tuesday evening, a Philippine Coast Guard official said on Wednesday.

Third Necio of PCG public information office said the sinking of MV Josille along the shores of El Nido, Palawan was reported to the headquarters at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Radyo Inquirer 990AM reported that a child was one of the two killed in the incident while 26 others were still missing.

“Two are confirmed dead, while 22 have been rescued and the rest are missing,” a coast guard official monitoring the incident told AFP.

“The vessel encountered heavy waves.”

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director Benito Ramos said search and rescue operations continued for the missing passengers.

The wooden-hulled MV Josille 2 was carrying 34 passengers and 12 crew members when it was reported to have sunk off the northern coast of Palawan island, the coast guard said. AFP, Frances Mangosing

Originally posted at 08:17 am| Wednesday, June 13, 2012