MV Hong Hai 16 capsizes, killing nine, two missing

The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed on Sunday that nine people have died and two remain missing following the capsizing of MV Hong Hai 16 near Barangay Malawaan, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.

MARINA Region 5 Director Atty. Bong Bañares revealed that there were five unregistered crew members aboard the vessel, which had a total of 25 crew members including 13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese nationals.

The official record shows only 20 registered crew members with 10 being Filipino and solely responsible for safety operations on board; the rest were likely operating specialized equipment used in dredging sand.

Governor Eduardo Gadiano has ordered a cease-and-desist order against Bluemax Tradelink Inc. to halt its dredging operations, while directing Keen Peak Corp., owner of MV Hong Hai 16, to remove the vessel from the site.

MARINA Region 5 Director Atty. Bong Bañares assured that MV Hong Hai 16 was fully documented and registered with MARINA, but a show cause order has been issued to its owner.