Search, rescue work on high gear for capsized cargo vessel in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines – Search and rescue operations for a passenger cargo vessel that capsized off El Nido, Palawan, Tuesday evening, went on high gear Wednesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

Executive Director Benito Ramos said in a telephone interview that a Philippine Navy patrol gunboat 386 and a Philippine Coast Guard search and rescue vessel 3503 have been deployed to the disaster area.

He said he had hoped for clearer skies so that the military aircraft can assist in rescue work.

According to Ramos, a fixed-wing islander plane has left the Western Command for Palawan.

It has a wide view for the pilot to easily zero in on the accident area, he said. “It is also carrying food.”

He if survivors are found the plane will conduct a food drop and will guide ships to the accident area.

So far, two were reported dead, 22 were rescued, and 24 were reported missing.