Search and rescue operations underway for Maharlika 2 passengers, crew

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte—Rescue teams are searching for passengers and crew of MV Maharlika 2 which sank in the waters between Surigao and Panaon Island, San Ricardo town, Southern Leyte about 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

As of 10:54 p.m., 18 passengers have been rescued, said Lieutenant Commander Glen Pacheco, officer-in-charge of Maasin Coast Guard.

He said 32 passengers, 2 of them children, and 26 crew were on board the passenger vessel owned by Philharbor Ferries and Port Services when it left Lipata, Surigao City about 1 p.m.

It was scheduled to dock in Liloan town in Southern Leyte at 5 p.m.

Pacheco said the vessel may have been slowed down by rough  seas and big waves spawned by Typhoon “Luis.”

When the MV Maharlika 2 was between Surigao and Panaon Island, Pacheco said vessel skipper identified as Juan Cayago was able to declare abandon ship before the vessel sank.

Rescue teams from Southern Leyte and Surigao are now conducting the search to rescue the passengers and crew.

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