Cargo ship runs aground off Surigao Norte: 20 missing

MANILA, Philippines — At least 20 crewmembers of cargo ship LCT Cebu Great Ocean were reported missing after the vessel ran aground along the shore in Barangay Cantapos in Malimono, Surigao del Norte on Monday.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Armand Balilo said the PCG station in Surigao del Norte activated its deployable response group to look for the missing crewmembers.

”Nag-abandon ship sila per statement ng crew sa PCG noong may contact pa. May reported na may nahiwalay na dalawa nung kausap ng station commander yung crew,” Balilo said.

The disaster risk reduction and management offices of Surigao and Malimono are helping in search and rescue operations, which were suspended on Monday night due to poor visibility and rough sea conditions brought by Typhoon Bising.

No update was provided by the PCG as of 6 p.m. yesterday as it said an investigation was ongoing.

The PCG-Surigao del Norte station issued a Notice to Mariners to locate the missing crewmembers.

Balilo said the LCT Cebu Great Ocean ran aground at around 4 p.m.

He said they are investigating if the vessel, which was reportedly loaded with nickel ore and around 2,000 liters of diesel, was taking shelter when it ran aground.