A Chinese crewman of a sand carrier vessel died while ten others were injured after it capsized off the water of Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday.

The motor vessel Hong Hai 16 operated by Keen Peak Corp., with a total crew of 25 members (13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese), capsized under moderate sea conditions in the waters off Barangay Malawaan, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.

"A total of 14 crew members have survived six Filipinos and eight Chinese while one Chinese has been recovered lifeless. Ten individuals remain missing, consisting of seven Filipinos and three Chinese,"

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) immediately launched search and rescue operations for the missing crew members.

"Search and rescue operations are ongoing, including underwater assessments and preparation for diving operations and cutting work by the Coast Guard Special Operations Group Southern Tagalog," said PCG.

"Per initial visual assessment, the vessel remains upright but partially submerged, with possibly trapped personnel in the engine room," it added.

In anticipation of possible environmental hazard, PCG personnel also coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for the potential deployment of oil spill containment booms while PCG in Sablayan also deployed an additional response team to augment the ongoing operations.

The PCG remains on-scene and fully committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals involved, while also preparing for any potential environmental impact. Robina Asido/DMS