Navy terminates search and rescue ops for sunken ferry

In this Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 photo released by the Philippine National Red Cross Surigao Del Norte Chapter, a survivor from the ferry M/V Maharlika II that sank after encountering steering problems, is pushed on a wheelchair after arriving at the Lipata Port Terminal in Surigao city, central Philippines. AP

MANILA, Philippines—After three days of search and rescue operations, the Philippine Navy terminated its operations for MV Maharlika Dos Tuesday evening, a Navy official said.

Lieutenant Commander Marineth Domingo said there were no cadavers or survivors found after the three-day search.

Domingo added that the Philippine Coast Guard has validated that there were three ferry passengers listed as missing.

“The Navy will still be on standby and alert to any eventualities,” Domingo said.

On Saturday, MV Maharlika Dos sank in the waters of Southern Leyte after being battered by waves that Typhoon “Luis” caused.

Earlier, the Philippine Navy sent BRP Alberto Navarette (PG 394) BRP Rafael Pargas (PG 379) and its fastcraft vessel DF 350 to search for the missing passengers.

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