Two additional crew members were found dead from the capsized sand carrier MV Hong Hai 16 in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro on Good Friday, April 18, bringing the death toll to six.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the first body was recovered from the Chinese-flagged vessel’s accommodation area below its bridge at 2:10 p.m., while the second was located at Cargo Hold No. 1 at 3:28 p.m.

“The identification of both recovered bodies is still pending,” the PCG said.

Five more crew members remained missing while search operations continued in the vicinity waters of Barangay Malawaan.

“PCG divers conducting underwater search and recovery operations have retrieved vessel documents and personal belongings, contributing to identification efforts and supporting the ongoing investigation,” the PCG disclosed.

Meanwhile, a representative from the ship owner, Keen Peak Corporation, finally showed up on Good Friday, the fourth day of the search operation, and visited the incident site.

The PCG said the vessel's owner has contracted a professional salvor to undertake salvage operations. The salvor’s equipment is expected to arrive on-site by Monday, April 21.

The ship owner also promised to take responsibility for the accident and to extend all the necessary assistance to the families of the perished and injured crew, according to PCG.

Environmental impact

The PCG has also collaborated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau for the conduct of water sampling to ensure that the water in the vicinity area of the incident site remains free from the threat of oil spill.

The water sample collected by the experts was sent for laboratory analysis.

The PCG earlier observed a light sheen in the vicinity of the capsized vessel, accompanied by a noticeable marine diesel odor. Oil spill booms were deployed to mitigate the potential spread of any oil contaminants.

It turns out that the vessel was carrying an estimated 2,000 liters of lube oil and 30,000 liters of automotive diesel oil when it capsized on April 19.

The PCG explained that diesel is classified as a non-persistent oil, which means it evaporates and disperses relatively quickly in the environment, especially in open water. As such, 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.

PCG ship BRP Malabrigo (MRRV 4402), a 44-meter multi-role response vessel, also assisted in the ongoing surface search efforts. The PCG said the vessel was found grounded on the seabed, making attempts at salvaging it more difficult.