CGDWV: A total of 12 crew including the Master were successfully rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) after cargo vessel LCT Bato Twin encountered sudden squall and subsequently sank at waters 2 NM off Sambiray Caticlan Anchorage in Malay, Aklan yesterday, November 4 2018.
Initial investigation gathered revealed that LCT Bato Twin, of 120 Gross Tonnage, was about to depart Sambiray Cargo Area bound to Manoc Manoc Cargo Area loaded with sand and gravel , around 8 AM on the same date with 12 crew onboard. Allegedly, while underway to Manoc Manoc Cargo Area, Boracay, Malay Aklan, the vessel unfortunately encountered sudden squal (big waves) causing the water to come in the vessel's ramp causing the vessel to sink approximately 2 nautical miles off Sambiray Port.
Upon receipt of report, the PCG immediately launched a joint rescue team composed of personnel from Coast Guard Station (CGS) Aklan, Coast Guard Sub-Station Boracay and Special Operations Force. Likewise, the PCG's Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat RHIB, speed Boat and its fast patrol boat from France, BRP Boracay (FPB 2401) were dispatched to conduct rescue operations.
Due to the swift response, 12 crew members were safely rescued and were immediately brought to the nearest hospital for proper medical attention in Barangay Caticlan. All crew members were in good physical condition.
LCDR JOE LUVIZ MERCURIO is conducting the Maritime Casualty Investigation to establish the cause of the incident.
The vessel sank at appoximately 30 feet below sea level.