The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Surigao del Norte has released the following updates in relation to the ongoing search and rescue (SAR) operations for the missing crewmembers of LCT CEBU GREAT OCEAN as of today, 22 April 2021:

- The team focused in scouring the vicinity waters of Malimono, San Francisco, and Barangay Mabua in Surigao del Norte.

- The SAR team recovered personal belongings of the missing crewmembers of LCT CEBU GREAT OCEAN which was formally turned-over to Reynaldo Cantilla, Operations Manager of Agatha Mining, charterer of the said vessel.

- On or about 05:06 p.m. of 21 April 2021, the PCG Station Surigao del Norte proceeded to the Caraga Regional Hospital to conduct initial investigation and inquiries to Roger Polo (Chief Mate), one of the survivors, on how the incident transpired.

The following information were based on the narrative of Chief Mate, Roger Polo:

- On or about 10:00 a.m. of 16 April 2021, LCT CEBU GREAT OCEAN was at the anchorage area of Barangay Lawigan, Tubay, Agusan del Norte with both port and starboard anchors dropped.

- On or about 04:00 p.m. of 17 April 2021, the starboard side anchor was accidentally cut-off due to strong winds and very rough sea condition.

- On or about 05:00 p.m. of 17 April 2021, the master of the vessel decided to secure the portside anchor and intended to take shelter at the vicinity waters off Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, but the vessel did not continue due to unfavorable weather and sea condition.

- The master of the vessel decided to remain at the vicinity. However, the vessel was drifted towards the vicinity waters off Jagna, Bohol.

- On or about 11:00 p.m. of 17 April 2021, the vessel was listing at approximately five to six degrees, as indicated in the clinometer, causing the cargoes to gradually spill at the starboard side.

- The crewmembers worked hand in hand to transfer the cargoes towards the portside to be able to balance the tilted vessel.

- On or about 07:00 a.m. of 18 April 2021, the clinometer indicated 10 degrees listing, which prompted the master to make a turn to portside.

- The seawater started to enter in the engine room and steering room which caused flooding. They tried to pump out the seawater, but failed.

- On or about 09:00 a.m. of 18 April 2021, Mark Louie Masibag (Oiler) decided to stop the engine to prevent electrocution incident and eventually abandon the ship, together with 15 crewmembers by utilizing available lifejackets and life rings.

- Thereafter, the master of LCT CEBU GREAT OCEAN, as well as the remaining crew members abandoned the ship.

- They were all accounted for on or about 10:00 a.m. of 18 April 2021 at the vicinity waters off Bohol Sea.

- They remained afloat approximately 50 nautical miles away from the shoreline, until the master of the vessel decided to separate to call for help by swimming alone towards the shoreline.

- On or about 02:00 a.m. of 19 April 2021, a certain Vincent Dela Peña (missing crewmember) unknowingly fell asleep and subsequently separated from the group.

- On or about 04:00 a.m. of 19 April 2021, they were at the vicinity waters off Barangay Lawigan, Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

- Among 20 crewmembers, only 18 of them were able to keep themselves together as one group. However, other crewmembers were already weak. 

- On or about 12:00 a.m. of 20 April 2021, they were drifted towards the vicinity waters off Barangay Jubgan, San Francisco and Malimono in Surigao Del Norte. They were separated from each other due to the prevailing rough sea condition.

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On or about 05:30 p.m. of 21 April 2021, the SAR team temporarily terminated the SAR operations due to poor visibility and unfavorable weather and sea condition.

As of today, 22 April 2021, nine crewmembers of LCT CEBU GREAT OCEAN remain missing.