Four individuals were reported missing after a diving yacht submerged within the waters of Tubbataha Reefs, Palawan on Sunday, April 30.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the dive yacht M/Y Dream Keeper left Remegio, Cebu at 4 pm on 27 April and it arrived at Tubbataha Reef at 10 pm on April 29.
It said that the PCG Palawan District reported that the yacht sank at 6:49 am on April 30.
The Coast Guard said it immediately deployed BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) to conduct search and rescue (SAR) operations together with PCG Sub-Station Tubbataha.
Twenty-eight passengers were rescued.
Meanwhile, in an update on Monday, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said the SAR operations are still ongoing for the missing individuals.
At least 10 yachts are helping in the search along with professional divers, he said.
According to the PCG spokesperson, the rescued passengers are all in good condition.
“Na-inform na rin namin yung mga kamag-anak ng mga [rescued] passengers at baka dalhin na sila sa Puerto Princesa at makauwi na muna sila,” he added.
On the other hand, Balilo also reported that oil sheens were detected, four nautical miles away from Tubbataha Reefs where the yacht sank.
“As of the moment, hindi pa naman [worrisome] kasi oil sheen pa lang. But we’re closely monitoring and preparing our oil response team in case may oil na tumagas na marami, we’re able to contain it right away,” he assured.
