Coast Guard Ends Search for Cargo Ship Lost off Mindoro Waters

After nearly a month, the Philippine Coast Guard announced it will end the search for cargo vessel MV Sta. Monica and its 10 crew members, nearly a month after the ship went missing during Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, despite the emotional toll on families of the missing crew.

Coast Guard officials cited the 20-day human survivability window and limited resources as basis in the decision to conclude the formal search operation.

PCG’s response capabilities have been further strained as many of its vessels are currently deployed for relief operations in the aftermath of the series of typhoons that hit Luzon.

“While this decision is painful for the families, we’ve reached the limits of what we can do,” a Coast Guard official said.

PCG said it will continue to coordinate with local fishing vessels in Mindoro and nearby provinces and other marine traffic for possible signs of survivors.

The vessel disappeared on Oct. 22, 2024 after departing from Taytay, northern Palawan.

Coast Guard records show the ship was only authorized to seek shelter at Casian Island, approximately 16 nautical miles from port, due to adverse weather conditions from the tropical storm.

During Tuesday’s session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Palawan, Dennis Rem Labay, Philippine Coast Guard district commander in Palawan, reported that both PCG District Palawan and PCG District Southern Tagalog received reports of the vessel’s disappearance. The ship is believed to have gone missing in Mindoro waters.

Search teams have recovered only scattered debris, including LPG tanks, life jackets, life rings, and what are believed to be livestock remains, in waters off Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.

The Coast Guard deployed both maritime and aerial search operations in the Mindoro and Taytay, Palawan areas since Oct. 28, but failed to locate the vessel or its crew.

The Maritime Safety Services Command is conducting an ongoing investigation into potential irregularities in the vessel’s departure clearance during storm conditions.

The Provincial Board specifically invited PCG District Palawan to provide updates on both the investigation and search efforts.

Despite ending formal search operations, officials say they will maintain communication with vessels in the area and local fishermen for any signs of the missing crew members, acknowledging their responsibility to the families while managing limited resources.