Chief Engineer Dies after Cargo Ship Sinks off Philippines

The Philippine Coast Guard has confirmed that Almarito Anciano, the chief engineer of M/V Sea Merchant, died when the general cargo ship sank approximately five nautical miles southeast of Malabrigo Point in Lobo, Batangas at around 6:45 am local time, January 1.

Nineteen other crewmembers were saved by the Coast Guard and the passing ship M/T Mactan.

Sea Merchant was carrying 20,040 bags of cement and was en route to Antique from Bauan Port where they loaded 16,000 liters of diesel oil.

Celso Rey Baiza, the chief officer of the Sea Merchant said that while the vessel was navigating towards Dumali Point, Oriental Mindoro, on January 1 at 2 pm local time, it was suddenly battered by big waves and strong winds on the port side.

The vessel’s cement cargo shifted to the starboard side causing it to list by 10 degrees. The Sea Merchant sank a few minutes after the Chief Mate initiated the distress call.