Death toll in ferry sinking rises to 8, one still missing

MANILA, Philippines (Updated) – The death toll from sinking of roll on, roll off vessel M/V Maharlika-2 has risen to 8 on Monday, September 15, as the Philippine Navy recovered 5 more bodies off the coast of Southern Leyte.

A total of 113 passengers were rescued, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). One person is still missing. 

“All in all, 5 cadavers were retrieved by Philippine Navy personnel from the search and retrieval operations conducted,” said Lieutenant Commander Marineth Domingo, director of the Navy Public Affairs Office, Monday evening. 

Among the bodies recovered was an infant girl about 2 years old, said Domingo. 

Aside from the 3 fatalities reported on Sunday, 3 other passengers were earlier reported missing. Two were among the bodies recovered by the Navy.

“There’s one more person reported missing. The Navy personnel would again conduct search and rescue operations tomorrow,” said Domingo.

MV Maharlika-2 of Archipelago Ferries Corporation, a passenger and cargo vessel, lost control and was carried away by the current and waves on Saturday night, September 13. The passengers abandoned the ferry, which eventually sank at the waters of Binit Point, Panaoan Island, Southern Leyte.

Another maritime incident

On Sunday, September 14, another maritime incident, this time involving M/V Super Shuttle RoRo 7, was reported by the Philippine Coast Guard. It tilted on its side and half-submerged off Manila Bay.

Up to 15 crew members abandoned the cargo vessel at 7 pm on Sunday. They were rescued or were able to swim to safety. Seven crew members boarded a life raft and were rescued near the United States Embassy in Manila. One was rescued by M/Tug Energy Star.

Another 7 crew members, who held on to floating debris, were able to swim toward the Quirino Grandstand.

Two of the crew members were cleared of any physical injuries and allowed to go home. The others were brought to the PCG Medical Service to undergo treatment for various injuries.  –Rappler.com