SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues the search operation for the remaining two missing crews of MV Hong Hai 16 that capsized in waters in Rizal town on April 15, 2025.
According to PCG Occidental Mindoro Commander Keneth Bongabong, the death toll from the incident rose to nine, following the recovery of two additional bodies on April 20.
Bongabong added that the recovered bodies still need verification from immediate family members.
In addition to its underwater search operations, the PCG, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local government, continues to conduct sea board patrol monitoring within the vicinity of the capsized ship and the shoreline for oil spill watch.
“So far, wala naman tayong nakita na any signs of oil spill sa area (So far, there are no signs of oil spill in the area),” Bongabong assured.
According to Jack Motril, Rizal Municipal Information Officer, no damaged reefs were reported due to the incident. The local government also commended the PCG’s swift efforts on the incident.
“In behalf of the whole LGU and the municipality of Rizal, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude sa buong Philippine Coast Guard. Hindi po talaga sila tumigil at maging ang kanilang special unit to help us kung ano ba ang mga dapat na move and again sila yung naging head ng ating incident command,” Motril said.
(On behalf of the whole LGU and the municipality of Rizal, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the whole Philippine Coast Guard. They did not stop, and even their special unit, to help us on what to do, and they spearheaded the incident command.)
The MV Hong Hai 16 reportedly capsized on April 15, 2025 in Barangay Malawaan, Rizal. The sand carrier vessel was manned by 25 crew members, comprising 13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese nationals.
Following the incident, on April 21, 2025, the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro issued a cease and desist order for Bluemax Tradelink, Inc., the company responsible for the dredging activity in Rizal town. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA-Occidental Mindoro/Photo courtesy of Coast Guard Station District Southern Tagalog)
