Rescued crew of Chinese vessel still in Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 4  -- The nine seafarers of Chinese-registered cargo vessel that made emergency docking in Northern Samar remained in Pambujan town on Thursday.

A report released by the Northern Samar police provincial office said the crew members are still at the house of Mayor Felipe Sosing since their rescue on Tuesday.

Of the nine crew members, six are based in mainland China, two in Hong Kong, and one from Taiwan. Authorities recognized them through their identification cards.

“All agencies concerned have been preparing for briefing before boarding into the vessel for inspection,” the Northern Samar police said in its report. The vessel has been anchored 300 meters from the shoreline.

The vessel loaded with oil marked “Jim Ming No. 16”, left China on December 12 and was sailing to Chile when they encountered rough seas due to Tropical Depression Agaton, according to the police.

The strong waves ruptured the ship’s hull, and caused the ship to suck in salt water. The ship was drifting towards Pinadurogan village of Pambujan when local authorities received a distress call from crew past noon on January 2.

The provincial government, police, army, and the coast guard in Northern Samar rescued the nine crew members. They were brought to the local health center for medical check-up and later to the mayor’s house.

In a statement, the Philippine Army commended the rescue efforts as it prevented major oil spill in Northern Samar. (SQM/PNA)