Zamboanga City (CNN Philippines) — Rescuers have found the lone fatality in the ship wreck which happened in the vicinity of Baganian Municipality in Zamboanga del Sur last Sunday (August 2).
Pagadian Station Coast Guard Deputy Commander Rudy Aurea identified the fatality as one Nasaruddin Ayunan, chief mate of LCT (Landing Craft Transport) Emilia.
The body was found off the waters of Baganian at around 11 a.m. Monday (August 3) by a team composed of the Pagadian City Coast Guard and local government personnel from nearby municipalities.
Ayunan’s body was found inside the ship after purportedly being trapped when the ship capsized.
The victim was reportedly found himself by Mayor Greg Ayawan Dayundon, the local chief executive of Tabina muncipality, a diving enthusiast who joined in the rescue operations.
The Coast Guard terminated rescue and retrieval operations after the body of the lone fatality was found.
The LCT Emilia was on its way to Basilan from Cotabato City carrying 180 cubic metric tons of sand when it reportedly encountered engine trouble in the morning of August 1. It, however, continued its journey with only one engine at the speed of 2.2 knots after reassuring Coast Guard authorities that it can continue on its voyage.
At around 11pm Sunday, coast guard authorities were told by Baganian Municipality Disaster Officer Mark Anthony Almeda that a barge sunk after being battered by strong winds and huge waves after it sought shelter near the Baganian coastline.
A total of 14 crew members were safely recovered.
They were identified as Roel Badiango, Herundio Nazario, Jopit Ticoy, Jovito de Leon, Bernie Nipales, Lexter Penular, Paul Barrameda, Justin Zapariaga, Ricky Dionio, Abelino Casao, Eduardo Baldado, Rex Malolod, Conrado Bakig Jr and Ship Captain Rogelio Regala.
All other victims with Regala are crew members of the barge.
