Hopes high for missing crewmen

SAN FERNANDO, La Union – Authorities said hopes were still high that the four missing crewmembers of a cargo ship that capsized in the Balintang Channel in Batanes Tuesday night, could still be found.

This, as seven survivors of the ill-fated cargo vessel MV LCT Marc Jason were rescued by the ship MV Umm Laqnab en route to Japan, Capt. Athelo Ybañez, commander of Coast Guard-Northern Luzon district, said.

“MV Umm Laqnab rescued the seven survivors while passing near the area. It was bound for Japan and brought with them the survivors,” Ybañez said.

Four other survivors were dropped by Manila-bound MV Ultra Ace at the seaport here Thursday morning for emergency treatment due to severe weakness and shark bites.    – Jun Elias, Charlie Lagasca