Search still on for missing Burmese crew of sunk ship

BOLINAO, Pangasinan — Search and retrieval (SAR) operations for 14 missing Burmese crew members of Panamanian-flagged cargo ship which sank in waters off this town Feb. 17 entered its third day amid reports of an oil leak late Monday.

The aerial surveillance conducted by the Philippine Coast Goard (PCG) reported an oil spill in the spot where the “M/V Arita Bauxite” sank.

Local fishermen said the oil spill was spreading saying it will adversely affect their livelihood.

Pangasinan 1st District Rep. Jesus “Boying” Celeste called Tuesday on national agencies concerned to look into the oil spill which may spawn destruction on marine life and spoil the livelihood of fisherfolk.

The PCG reported the oil leak occurred due to the ingress of water into the vessel as it sank in Cape Bolinao.