The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is investigating a possible oil spill off Agno Bay in Pangasinan after oil traces were detected in the area where M/V Devon Bay, a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel, was last located.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said the oil sheen was seen during an aerial search of the reported distress site at approximately 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point in Agno Bay.

“During our aerial search, we saw an oil sheen within the vicinity of the reported distress area,” Cayabyab said.

Authorities also saw a capsized life raft, a small inflatable boat carried for emergency evacuation, in the distress area.

Although the oil sheen was not extensive, the PCG said it remains under close watch.

“It is not that large but it is definitely something the PCG is checking,” Cayabyab said.

Meanwhile, the search and rescue for four of the 21 missing all-Filipino crew members remains ongoing. Earlier, the PCG confirmed that 17 crew members were rescued by a passing China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel.

Cayabyab also clarified that reports indicating two crew members may have died remain unverified.

“We are still verifying that report. The latest information is that 17 were rescued by the China Coast Guard,” she said.

The PCG has coordinated with the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (HKMRCC) for the turnover of the rescued crew members.

“Once they are properly turned over to us, we will conduct our inquiry,” Cayabyab said.

M/V Devon Bay was loaded with iron ore and traveling from Zamboanga del Sur to Yangjiang, China when it encountered trouble at sea.

Based on the initial investigation, the vessel’s agent reported distress to the PCG Command Center as early as 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 22.

At around 10:30 p.m., the ship was already listing by nearly 25 degrees to port (left side) until it eventually capsized on Jan. 23. An investigation was conducted to locate the vessel after it was believed to have sunk.

Cayabyab said the weather condition was a concern as the northeast monsoon (amihan) continues to affect the area.

“There is still amihan and based on information from PAGASA [Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration], there is a gale warning in that area,” she noted.

However, the PCG still deployed its assets for search and rescue despite rough sea conditions.

“The waves and the current in the area were really strong. We informed the Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon about the incident. We also issued a radio broadcast to all vessels transiting the area to render assistance if they sight anything,” Cayabyab said.

Meanwhile, Cayabyab thanked the CCG for rescuing the Filipino crew members as she emphasized that maritime search and rescue go beyond jurisdiction and nationality.

A CCG vessel, located about 36 nautical miles from the distress site, responded and rescued the 17 crew members after they received a distress report about the incident.

“We have a moral obligation that whoever is nearest to a vessel in distress, whether military, coast guard, or commercial, must respond. There is no jurisdiction and no nationality in search and rescue,” Cayabyab said.

At present, the PCG has sent its 97-meter vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) to the reported distress area to continue the search. A PCG Islander aircraft also conducted aerial searches after taking off at 7:20 a.m. on Saturday.

The PCG called on vessels passing through the area to help in the search.

“All transiting vessels in the area are requested to proceed with caution, maintain a sharp lookout, and render assistance as necessary, in accordance with international maritime regulations,” the PCG said.