TWO crew members — a Filipino and a Chinese — were confirmed dead after the sand carrier they were on capsized off the coast of Malawan village in the town of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, late Tuesday afternoon. The incident prompted a large-scale maritime search and rescue operation led by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The MV Hong Hai 16, manned by 25 crew members — 13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese — overturned under moderate sea conditions at about 5:20 p.m., the Coast Guard Sub-Station in San Jose said. The PCG swiftly mobilized multiple response teams, including specialized divers and marine environmental protection units.

So far, 14 individuals have been rescued — six Filipinos and eight Chinese. Nine of the crew remain missing: six Filipinos and three Chinese.

"We're conducting continuous underwater assessments, diving operations and hull-cutting procedures to locate and extract any trapped crew members," said LCdr. Joseph Coyme, spokesman for the PCG Southern Tagalog District.

"The vessel remains upright but is partially submerged, and we suspect some individuals may still be inside the engine room."

The MV Hong Hai 16, owned by Keen Peak Corp., was transporting sand when it capsized just off the Mindoro coastline. Initial reports suggest the vessel may have been compromised by a sudden tilt or possible mechanical failure, though investigations are still ongoing.

PCG officials are also monitoring the vessel for potential oil leaks, working closely with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to prepare for the deployment of containment booms.

"Even as we focus on the rescue effort, we are not losing sight of the environmental risk this incident may pose," said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan in a separate statement.

By Wednesday morning, rescue operations intensified with reinforcements from Sablayan and neighboring coastal stations, supported by volunteers and local fishermen. The area has been cordoned off, and nearby communities have been urged to report any debris or sightings that may aid search efforts.

This maritime tragedy comes amid growing regional concerns over maritime safety standards and foreign labor conditions aboard Philippine-flagged commercial vessels.

As families await word on the missing crew, the PCG vowed to continue its operations "without pause or delay," while urging the public not to speculate on the cause of the incident until a full inquiry is completed.

The identity of the deceased Chinese crew member is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, an official inquiry into the incident will begin once all rescue operations are concluded.