A large-scale rescue operation is underway after the dredging vessel “Hong Hai 16” capsized in Barangay Malawaan, Rizal town, Occidental Mindoro, according to Mayor Ernesto “Sonny” Pablo.

Pablo said authorities have been working continuously since the incident occurred Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The vessel had 25 crew members on board.

As of Friday, 14 have been rescued, including six Filipinos and eight Chinese nationals.

Nine remain missing: six Filipinos and three Chinese.

Tragically, one Chinese crew member was confirmed dead Thursday.

Other reports claimed four crew members perished in yet another maritime disaster in Mindoro Island.

Divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered the body of a crew member Friday, according to the mayor.

Governor Ed Gadiano arrived in Rizal shortly after the incident and stressed the provincial government’s priority to deepen the river mouth through the dredging activity to help alleviate flooding in the area.

PCG Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, who arrived with a Coast Guard vessel, said that the immediate focus is the search for the nine missing individuals, with rescue operations continuing.

He added that while a potential oil spill is a secondary concern, the risk is considered low because the vessel carries Automotive Diesel Oil (ADO), which is less environmentally hazardous and tends to dissipate naturally.

As a precautionary measure, responders have deployed a spill boom.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan visited Rizal Friday and lauded the rapid and organized rescue efforts of all involved parties.

He confirmed that an investigation into the incident is already in progress.

Due to the limited number of divers available each day, rescue operations will continue Saturday.

The PCG also plans to salvage the “Hong Hai 16” at a later date to ensure the area is safe.

“As your mayor, we will not stop monitoring this incident,” Pablo said.

“All our agencies and partners are on alert. I ask for your prayers for the safety of our rescuers and everyone involved in this operation,” the mayor added.

Photos: courtesy of Rizal Mayor Ernesto Pablo Page