PCG: 20 Filipino seafarers were rescued yesterday from a Singaporean-flagged ship that ran aground one nautical mile off Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur.

The 231 gross tonnage MV Alam Manis was reportedly battered by huge swells that drenched its nickel ore cargo, causing the vessel to lose its stability until it listed and eventually agrounded.

MV Alam Manis was enroute to Balintang Channel when the incident occurred.

Two of the 21 crew were earlier reported missing, one of whom was identified as C/M Henry Libo-on who passed away due to heart attack.

Meanwhile, the rest of the 20 seafarers were successfully rescued by escort tug MT Salviscount and ferried to the port of San Fernando, La Union. 

Meanwhile, personnel from Coast Guard Station (CGS) San Fernando intend to conduct ocular inspection on the vessel to check for a possible oil spill.

MV Alam Manis was manned by Captain Orlando Cabalatungan.

According to Mr. Ng Cock Soon, manager of PSM Perkapalan Sdn, Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian Bulk Carriers, the survivors were brought to San Fernando where their families are already awaiting.

MT Salviscount will remain in the vicinity of MV Alam Manis to continue monitoring the situation.