14 Indonesian, Korean Crew Rescued In Philippines

Published January 22, 2012 5:36AM (EST)

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A cargo ship loaded with iron ore has listed off the eastern coast of the Philippines, and passing boats rescued the 14-member crew.

Philippine coast guard operations officer Mark Angue says the Panamanian-registered M/V Sun Spirit began to list Saturday off Catanduanes province and sent a distress signal. The coast guard immediately deployed three ships and a helicopter for a search and rescue.

Angue says the coast guard later learned that the 12 Indonesian and two Korean crewmen abandoned their China-bound ship, which came from the central Philippine province of Leyte.

Coast guard Admiral Ramon Liwag says a passing Philippine cargo ship rescued 11 of the crewmen while a fishing boat saved three others. It's unclear whether the disabled ship sank.


By Salon Staff

MORE FROM Salon Staff


Related Topics ------------------------------------------