Vessel Capsizes off Philippines, Leaving Crew Missing

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed that the aggregates carrier Hong Hai 16 capsized on April 15 at around 5:20 PM local time, resulting in confirmed fatalities and several crew members still unaccounted for.

The vessel, reportedly operated by Keen Peak Corporation, had 25 people on board at the time of the incident—13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese nationals.

Following the capsizing, multiple PCG search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched, including units from the Sablayan station to aid in the emergency response. Fourteen crew members have been rescued so far—eight Chinese and six Filipino seafarers.

The PCG has also recovered the bodies of one Chinese and one Filipino crew member, bringing the current death toll to two. As of the latest update, nine individuals remain missing.

A light oil sheen and a strong marine diesel odor were detected near the site of the capsized vessel. In response, the PCG deployed approximately 250 meters of oil spill containment booms—divided into five segments—to contain any potential fuel leakage and minimize environmental damage.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with continued environmental monitoring. Initial visual assessments indicate that the Hong Hai 16 remains upright but partially submerged, with concerns that some missing crew may still be inside, possibly in the engine room.