Coast Guard rescues 12 crew members of sunken vessel in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard rescued 12 crew members of a vessel that capsized late Tuesday afternoon at the port in San Fernando town, some 42 kilometers south of Cebu City.

PCG-7 spokesperson Michael John Encina said the crew members were loading bags of cement to the MV Eva Mary Grace when strong waves hit the vessel, causing it to list to the port side before it capsized at 4:37 p.m.

The distress call was received by the Cebu Coast Guard station in Naga City, which immediately deployed a rescue team.

Before 5 p.m., the Coast Guard Marine Environmental Unit vessel and medical ambulance were already onsite.

All crew members, including ship captain Michael Zeta, were rescued and brought to the South General Hospital in the City of Naga in Cebu.

MV Eva Mary Grace has a gross tonnage of 346.47.

As of 7 p.m., the PCG-7 personnel was still onsite to ensure that no one was trapped inside the sunken vessel.

The authorities were also preventing a possible oil spill in the area. The ship was loaded with automotive diesel oil. Oil spill booms had been installed. (Editor: Eden Estopace)