Search Continues for the 10 Missing Crew Members of MV Hong Hai 16 in Occidental Mindoro
One dead, 10 missing after MV Hong Hai 16 overturns in moderate sea conditions.
A tragic maritime incident occurred on April 15, 2025, when the Chinese-flagged sand carrier MV Hong Hai 16 capsized along the coastline of Occidental Mindoro, resulting in one confirmed death and ten crew members still missing. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) immediately launched a search and rescue operation with hopes of locating the missing crew members still trapped inside the vessel, which remains partially submerged.
Vessel Overturns in Moderate Sea Conditions
At around 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday, the MV Hong Hai 16, carrying a total of 25 crew members, capsized under moderate sea conditions. The crew consisted of 13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese nationals. The vessel met trouble while sailing near the coastline of Barangay Malawaan in the municipality of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.
Though investigations are still being conducted, early reports indicate the ship may have suffered a technical malfunction or sudden tilt before capsizing.
While the ship remained upright following the capsize, it was partially submerged, and fears have arisen that some crew members may be trapped inside the vessel’s engine room. The PCG has focused much of its efforts on conducting underwater assessments and using specialized diving operations to locate and rescue the trapped individuals.
“We’re conducting continuous underwater assessments, diving operations, and hull-cutting procedures to locate and extract any trapped crew members,” said Lt. Commander Joseph Coyme, spokesman for the PCG Southern Tagalog District.
Search and Rescue Operations Underway
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) quickly launched a full-scale search and rescue mission after the MV Hong Hai 16 capsized off Occidental Mindoro. With help from nearby stations in Sablayan and other coastal areas, the response effort gained strength fast.
The PCG sent in extra response teams to cover more ground and speed up the operation. They also deployed maritime environmental protection units to monitor for any pollution risks. Specialized divers joined the mission as well, ready to search inside the partially submerged vessel.
Rescue teams have saved 14 crew members from the waters. The search continues for ten more, seven Filipinos and three Chinese nationals, who are still missing. Each passing hour feels more urgent as rescuers race against time.
Sadly, the PCG confirmed that two crew members did not survive, as of Thursday. Authorities have expressed their sympathies and remain focused on bringing the rest of the crew home safely. Everyone involved is working non-stop, fueled by hope and determination.
Environmental Risks and Precautionary Measures
As the search continues, the Philippine Coast Guard has expressed concern about the likely environmental impacts of the capsized vessel. The partially sinking state of the vessel heightens the possibility of oil leaks and other dangerous chemicals entering the surrounding seas.
The PCG has coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to prepare for potential oil spills. Authorities are considering the installation of oil spill containment booms to mitigate any environmental damage.
International and Local Responses to the Incident
The Philippine Coast Guard continues to monitor all aspects of the operation, including the search for the missing crew members, addressing environmental risks, and investigating the cause of the capsizing. Preventive measures are being put in place to minimize any long-term environmental impact on the surrounding coastline. The authorities have called on the public to refrain from speculating about the cause of the accident until a complete investigation is done.
As of Wednesday afternoon, search operations continue to focus on the recovery of the missing crew. The Philippine Coast Guard guarantees the public that every available resource is being used for the search and that the operation will continue without stopping.
This post was updated and added information about the 2nd recovered body.
Photo: PCG-Southern Tagalog
