SEARCH and rescue operations are continuing after a vessel capsized off Barangay Malawaan in the Philippines.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported the sand carrier Hong Hai 16 capsized during the evening of April 15. At the time of the incident it was carrying a crew of 25 — 13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese. Of those, 14 have been rescued, two bodies have been recovered and nine remain missing.

Initial dives on the vessel show it remains upright but partially submerged, and there is the possibility that crew remain trapped in the engine room.

“The PCG remains on-scene and fully committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals involved, while also preparing for any potential environmental impact,” the coastguard said.

Personnel from the Marine Environmental Protection Unit were immediately deployed to the scene. A light sheen was observed in the vicinity of the capsized vessel. In response, an oil spill boom was deployed to mitigate the potential spread of any oil contamination.

“Initial reports indicate the vessel was carrying an estimated 2,000 litres of lube oil and 30,000 litres of automotive diesel oil.

“Given that diesel is classified as non-persistent, it is expected to dissipate naturally due to prevailing wind and wave conditions. At this time, no immediate environmental threat has been identified,” the PCG said.