1 dead, 6 still missing from sunken cargo ships

MANILA, Philippines - Six crewmembers of two cargo ships that sank in the waters off Bataan and Bohol on Tuesday remain missing.

The body of Sonny Ruado, a crew of Virginia 1, was found floating on Tuesday, said Lt. Carlos Carlos, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Bataan station commander.

Ship captain Ronaldo Garcia, 54; chief engineer Luis Madla, 60; purser Junjun Manalo, 33, and cook Ian Badayos, 22, were rescued off Mariveles.

Two fishermen in Nasugbu, Batangas earlier rescued quartermaster Angelo Gambol, 39.

Initial reports show that the engine room of Virginia 1 caught fire before it sank. The vessel was on its way to Roxas, Palawan when the accident occurred. 

Carlos said they limited their search and rescue operations in coastal barangays in Bataan yesterday due to rough seas.

Meanwhile, PCG spokesman Cmdr. Armand Balilo said 28 crewmembers of Meridian Tres that sank near a dive site in Bohol were recovered.

Balilo said operations to rescue the ship’s chief operator, Benjamin Orola, are underway.

The 2,528 gross ton cargo ship was on its way to Tacloban City when it was battered by big waves and strong winds at around 9:45 p.m. The ship capsized at around 40 nautical miles off Hilongos, Leyte. – Evelyn Macairan, Ric Sapnu, Lalaine Jimenea