Typhoon NINA: 19 crew members missing from passenger ship, Roro vessel sinks and many more ships aground
On December 26, a passenger vessel has reportedly sunk between Puerto Galera and Maricaban Island in Mindoro amid the onslaught of Typhoon Nina.
What happened?
The ship named MV Starlite Atlantic belonging to Starlite Ferries Inc. was tossed around by massive waves and fierce winds due to Typhoon Nina.
15 crew members have been rescued while 19 members were reported to be missing. Search and rescue operation by the Philippine Coast Guard in the vicinity of Maricaban Island were hampered by rough seas.
An official statement released by the company said, “No passengers and cargo were on board during the time of the accident since it was sheltered in preparation for Typhoon Nina. As of this time, 15 crew members have been rescued while 19 are still missing”.
The statement further added, “We are coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard, MARINA, Philippine Red Cross, the LGUs of Maricaban and Puerto Galera in Mindoro as well as Matoco and Ilijan in Batangas for possible rescue of other survivors. We are also in close contact with the families of the crew members to apprise them of the rescue operations”.
Starlite management said, “We deeply regret this untoward incident and will be giving updates as soon as they become available”.
Roro vessel sinks:
In yet another incident on December 26th, a roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ship has reportedly sunk off the coast of Mabini, Batangas.
According to the Philippine Coast guard, a roro ship reportedly sunk off the coast of Batangas.
The ship named MV Shuttle roro 5 drifted off the waters due to huge waves generated by Typhoon Nina (Nock-ten).
A distress call was reportedly raised to the Coast guard authorities by the captain of the distressed ship. The captain had notified that the vessel was about to sink and the officials ordered them to abandon the ship or immediately evacuate and escape the ship.
Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman said, “At 11 am today, this center received a telephone call from 911 that MV Shuttle Roro 5 drifted at vicinity waters off Mabini San Miguel, Batangas and is reportedly about to sink and preparing to abandon ship”.
Rescue operations dispatched:
Personnel from the Coastguard stationed in Batangas had already proceeded to the vicinity to conduct search and rescue operations.
Balilo said two of PCG’s ships – BRP Pampanga and MCS 3001 – were on their way to verify the situation and assist in operations.
He also further stated that formal and progress reports were to follow.
Many more ships run aground:
PCG also reported that two other vessels, an oil tanker MT Obama in Gasan, Marinduque, and a passenger vessel Starlite Ferry in Mainit Point in Mabini, Batangas ran aground.
According to Balilo, the following vessels were visually identified to be beached in the shores of Barangay San Antonio, Puerto Galera due to Typhoon Nina:
- Oceanjet12
- Oceanjet10
- Baleno5
- Baleno7
- Baleno8
- Starlite Polaris
- Starlite Bluesea
Personnel from CGSS Puerto Galera are currently determining the actual damages sustained by the vessels.
As of Monday, CGS Oriental Mindoro had reported that there are “no signs” of the oil spill.
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Reference: GMA Network, Rappler
