PCG: A total of 110 passengers and crew of MV Maharlika 2, a RoRo/passenger vessel, were rescued after it sank 6 NM Northwest off Binit Point, Panaoan Island, Southern Leyte last Saturday, September 13 around 4:00PM.

Immediately, Coast Guard stations in the vicinity were alerted for an immediate search and rescue operations for the distressed vessel.

According to reports, MV Maharlika 2 encountered engine trouble and was dead on the water departed Lipata, Surigao bound for Liloan Ferry Terminal in Southern Leyte. Its sister ship, Maharlika 4 was already directed by the shipping company to assist and conduct towing if sighted.

Maharlika 2 is owned and operated by Archipelago Ferries Corporation.

Latest information received, five vessels immediately conducted search and rescue operations at said area.

MV St Martin rescued 54 persons and retrieved two cadavers,

MV Maharlika 4 rescued 34,

MV Lara Venture rescued 19,

MV Filipinas Maasin rescued two and

MT Orient King rescued one person and retrieved one cadaver.

13 of the rescued persons were brought to Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao for immediate medical treatment. Moreover, other passengers and crew were presently at the PPA Building, Port of Lipata. Three casualties are still subject for verification by authorities.

As of press time, verification is still ongoing of who are the passengers and crew members among the rescued victims.