Batangas ro-ro vessel sinks off Romblon at height of ‘Gener’

MANILA, Philippines — A Batangas City-bound roll-on and roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel sank on Sunday night off Tablas Island in Romblon due to rough seas caused by tropical storm “Gener,” according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

In a statement, the PCG said on Monday, all 57 passengers and 48 crew members of the MV Shuttle Ro-Ro 1 have been accounted for.

However, one of the passengers, identified as Ernesto Flores, died due to still undisclosed respiratory problems shortly after they were brought to shore.

Lt. Commander Armand Balilo, the PCG spokesman, said the ship was “en route to Batangas City from Dumaguit via Odiongan, Romblon, when it encountered rough sea conditions.”

“When the subject vessel decided to take shelter at Looc Bay in Tablas Island, it accidentally ran aground at around 7 p.m. The ship’s captain, Felix Solidio, declared ‘abandon ship’ when the vessel started taking in water. He then directed all passengers to transfer to life rafts,” said Balilo.

Citing a report from the PCG station in Romblon, Balilo said a PCG rescue team was immediately dispatched to Looc Bay.

When the team arrived at the rescue area, it found the sinking vessel on fire.

“Around 6:30 a.m., all passengers and crew of the Ro-Ro were accounted for,” Balilo added.

Meanwhile, personnel of the PCG station in Cuyo, Palawan, rescued two fishermen shortly after their motor banca, the Princess Vera, sank on Monday, about 350 meters from the town pier.

The PCG identified the fishermen as Christopher Mabatuan and Danilo Magalona, both residents of Sitio Tabunan, Barangay Suba in Cuyo town.