Missing Cargo Vessel Had Expired Safety Certificate

A cargo vessel with 10 crew members and livestock has been missing for nearly two weeks off Mindoro coast, while questions emerge about its expired safety certification, officials said on Thursday.

The MV Sta. Monica A-1 was last seen on October 22, 2024 departing Taytay, Palawan, seeking shelter from Typhoon Kristine.

Palawan Provincial board member Ryan Maminta revealed that the vessel’s Cargo Ship Safety Certificate had expired in September, raising questions about why it received a Master’s Declaration of Safe Departure.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intensified search operations in waters between Taytay, Palawan, and Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, deploying aircraft for aerial surveillance and conducting seaborne patrols along coastal areas.

“We find it unacceptable that there’s still no report from the PCG to the families of the crew members about the status of their search and rescue operations,” Maminta told reporters.

The vessel’s owner, Synergy Sea Ventures Inc., has been summoned to appear before the Provincial Board.

Local officials say the company has not been in contact with the crew members’ families.

Despite extensive search efforts involving local fishing communities and multiple Coast Guard districts, the vessel, which was carrying both crew members and water buffaloes, remains missing.

PCG Southern Tagalog command said they continue to coordinate with regional units in the ongoing search operations.