PCG demands MV Hong Hai 16 owner cooperate, death toll rises to four

On Black Friday, April 18, the Philippine Coast Guard issued a demand letter to the owner of MV Hong Hai 16 to cooperate with rescue efforts off the coast of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.

Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla stressed that Kean Peak Corporation has not responded or appeared in response to the demand letter and emphasized the company's social responsibility to assist in coordination and support of ongoing efforts.

Two more fatalities were recovered from the capsized vessel on Maundy Thursday, raising the death toll to four.

Seven crew members are still missing and subject to ongoing search operations as the PCG intensifies its probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The PCG deployed additional oil spill booms around the vessel to prevent any potential environmental damage, confirming no visible oil sheen in the area.