Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 2) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said two sites of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) are being used to help in the search and rescue efforts for four missing divers after a dive yacht sank at Tubbataha Reef.
\”Three US air assets stationed in Antonio Bautista Air Base, Puerto Princesa and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu are being utilized to help in the ongoing mission to find four missing Filipino divers after their boat sank in Tubbataha on April 30,\” the AFP said in a statement.
\”The responsive United States-Philippines combined inter-agency operation utilizing EDCA locations was carried out at the request of the Philippine government,\” it added.
The M/Y Dream Keeper arrived in Tubbataha, Palawan on April 29, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it received a report the vessel sank the next day.
A total of 32 people were on board when it sank. So far, 28 were rescued and arrived in Puerto Princesa on Monday.
Meanwhile, the PCG allayed concerns over the oil sheen spotted near the site where the boat sank, saying it was no cause for alarm.
