Survivors of Myanmar vessel sinking brought to shore

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Philippine Coast Guard brought to shore on Sunday night the nine crew members who survived the sinking of the Myanmar cargo vessel, MV Arita Bauxite, in the West Philippine Sea off Bolinao, Pangasinan.

The body of the lone fatality, the ship’s chief cook, Myint Aung, 54, was taken to a funeral parlor in Sual, Pangasinan.

A report received by the Pangasinan police said two survivors were hurt and had to be airlifted to a hospital in San Fernando City, La Union. The rest were taken to the PCG station in Sual town.

Fernando de Guzman, executive director of the Pangasinan disaster risk reduction and management council, said 14 crew members, including the captain of the ill-fated ship, are still missing.

De Guzman said the rescued crew members arrived in Sual aboard a PCG fast craft at about 9:30 p.m. Sunday. They were taken from a Chinese ship, whose crew members rescued them.

“We conducted medical check-up and fed them,” said De Guzman.

The survivors were Kyi Win, 38; Aung Kyaw Khine, 38; Khin Macmg Win, 34; Aung San Win, 38; Aung Thu Nyein, 29; Win Zam, 40; and Win Nin Thein, 30. Those taken to a hospital in San Fernando City were Cho Aye, 52, and Thant Zin Moe, 29.

The Myanmar vessel sank in the West Philippine Sea some 17 nautical miles (31 km) northwest of Cape Bolinao at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, PCG reports said.