Cargo vessel sinks in Aklan, Philippines

A cargo vessel sank in the waters off the municipality of Malay in Aklan province, Philippines, on the morning of Sunday, November 4.

The 120-tonne LCT Bato Twin encountered a sudden squall and subsequently sank in waters around nine metres deep some two nautical miles off Caticlan Anchorage in Malay.

The vessel was loaded with sand and gravel at the time of the incident.

The Philippine Coast Guard’s Aklan station immediately launched a joint rescue team upon receiving the distress call from the stricken vessel’s crew. The newly commissioned 24-metre fast patrol boat BRP Boracay was among the vessels despatched.

All twelve crewmembers of LCT Bato Twin were safely rescued and later brought to Malay for proper medical attention.