Retrieval of 2 more bodies from ferry stalled

MANILA, Philippines - What should have been the last leg of the search and retrieval operation for the two remaining bodies in the sunken M/V Catalyn-B was cancelled yesterday after the vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) encountered electrical problems.

Sources said that days prior to yesterday’s operation, the PCG’s BRP Pampanga served as “support vessel” to President Arroyo’s “Code 1” mission at the Apo Reef Natural Park in Mindoro Occidental.

The Apo Reef is regarded as one of the best dive sites in the country, as it has the second largest coral reef in the world and the largest in the country.

“It was a confidential mission,” another source said.

The PCG vessel was reportedly asked to serve as a “support” to the President’s 2,700-ton Ang Pangulo yacht. It left last Sunday and only returned last Tuesday.

“It was on a security mission for the President and was the alternative vessel of the President,” a source said.

The trip with the President was the last trip the vessel took before it encountered generator problems. Repairs are now being undertaken.

With the delay, the PCG had to reschedule its diving operations on Monday. It is still hoping to find the two remaining bodies from the wooden-hulled M/V Catalyn-B.

At present, the death toll stands at 25, with 46 survivors and two still missing.

The 79-gross ton M/V Catalyn-B collided with the steel-hulled F/B Anatalia last Dec. 24 off Limbones Island in Cavite.