Tanker capsizes in Danao City; 8 crewmembers rescued

CEBU, Philippines – At least eight crewmembers of a motor tanker that sank in the seawaters off Danao City were rescued by the Coast Guard late afternoon yesterday.

Motor Tanker Golden Rose reportedly incurred a hole in its engine room while navigating about 3.5 nanometers away from barangay Maslog, Danao City.

At 1:15 p.m. yesterday, the Cebu Coast Guard Station received a phone call from Venerose Sacres, owner of Rose Shipping Corporation, about the incident.

The Coast Guard said that according to Sacres, the vessel capsized as the captain and the crewmembers already abandoned the ship.

The ship, which sunk at around 2:15 p.m., departed Mandaue City early morning yesterday en route to Republic Dry Dock in Danao City.

After receiving the report, Coast Guard personnel in Danao City immediately conducted a search and rescue operation.

Rescued were Capt. Arturo Yap, Jonas Loon, Pedro Barquero, Roque Espra, Eduardo Enicito, Owen Doqueta, Henrich Plasquita and Francis Mutuo.

The eight were safely brought to the Coast Guard Detachment in Danao City. Authorities are now monitoring the area for oil spill. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/LPM (THE FREEMAN)