MANILA, Philippines (Updated, 4:40 p.m.) — The Philippine Coast Guard said it is currently conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations for four missing individuals in waters off Tubbataha, Palawan after a dive yacht sank in the waters early Sunday morning.
Motor yacht “Dream Keeper” left San Remegio, Cebu at 4 p.m. on April 27 and arrived at Tubbataha reef around 10 p.m. on Saturday. The vessel was carrying 32 passengers, 15 of them were crew members with 12 passengers and guests as well as five dive masters on board.
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The PCG said its command center received a report about the sinking from its Coast Guard District Palawan at 6:49 a.m. and it immediately sent BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) to kickstart SAR operations.
“As of this report, the joint SAR team from different agencies, units, and organizations has rescued 28 people, while four remain missing,” the PCG said in a statement at 9:58 a.m.
Among those helping out with the search team are the Coast Guard Sub-Station Tubbataha and other dive boats in the area.
Tubbataha reef – a protected marine park – is a popular diving spot in Palawan. Travel agencies said it as among the “most biodiverse” location in the Philippines and one of the best diving spots in the country.
The 28 rescued individuals were transferred from motor yacht Discovery Palawan to BRP Melchora Aquino, the PCG said in an update Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the PCG in Palawan are working with the sunken yacht's management office to reach out to the family of those who survived its sinking.
This is a developing story.