Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Navy halts rescue mission for MV Princess of the Stars victims

Philippine_navy Rescuers from the Philippine Navy on Monday night temporarily halted its search and rescue mission for the hundreds of missing passengers and crewmembers of the MV Princess of the Star due to big and strong waves.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgardo Arevalo said the efforts will resume in the morning as the Navy does not have night-vision equipment.

“Stop muna tayo ngayon kasi napakalaki ng mga alon baka madagdagdan yung irerescue natin. Wala tayong night capability (We have to stop because the waves are big and strong, and also because we don’t have nigh-vision equipment),” he said.

At least two ships are presently at the vicinity of Sibuyan town in Romblon for the search and rescue efforts.

Arevalo said he is not aware if the two Coast Guard ships in the area have also ceased their efforts.

Arevalo said one of the ships due for the area has to anchor to Tablas island. The ship was carrying divers and a machine that was supposed to break open the hull of the ill-fated ship.

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