Foreign ship sinks off Cagayan; 16 passengers rescued, 5 missing

A bulk carrier capsized off the coast of Cagayan, during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Odette on Friday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The PCG said MV Emerald Star was on its way to Lianyungang in China and that it departed from North Maluku in Indonesia with 26 crew members, all of whom are Indians.

Of the 26 crew members, 15 were rescued by three responding merchant vessels, namely Densa Coba, SM Samarinda, and Pappan Chief.

The incident occurred at 151 east nautical miles northeast of Sta. Ana, Cagayan. The Coast Guard pointed out that a the time of the accident there was a "No Sail Policy" in place so there were no local maritime incidents reported.

The Office of Civil Defense in Cagayan Valley officials continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard and plan for possible Search and Rescue operations. — BAP, GMA News