DAPA, Surigao del Norte — A cargo vessel carrying 32 crew members capsized and broke into two amid rough sea conditions off the waters of Barangay Corregidor in the municipality of Dapa on Thursday, April 30, prompting a swift rescue response from authorities and local fishermen.
The vessel, identified as LCT Pacifica 3, was en route to Siargao Island from Claver when it encountered strong waves that caused it to overturn and eventually split apart, according to initial findings from the Philippine Coast Guard.
Despite the severity of the incident, all 32 crew members aboard the 80-meter landing craft transport were successfully rescued through coordinated search and rescue operations led by the Coast Guard, with crucial assistance from nearby fishermen who responded to the emergency.
Authorities said the vessel rapidly took on water after capsizing, leading to its structural failure and eventual separation into two sections. Survivors were immediately brought to safety as response teams raced against time and worsening sea conditions.
As of press time, the Philippine Coast Guard has launched an ongoing investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident, including verifying the vessel’s cargo and assessing how much fuel remains onboard. Officials are also evaluating the potential environmental impact, particularly the risk of an oil spill or other forms of marine pollution in the surrounding waters.
Coast Guard personnel have been deployed to monitor the area, while advisories have been issued to fishermen and passing vessels to exercise caution as operations continue.
The incident has also drawn attention due to its similarity to a previous maritime accident involving a sister ship, LCT Pacifica 1, which reportedly sank in 2023 under separate circumstances.
No injuries or fatalities were reported in Thursday’s incident, but maritime authorities underscored the dangers posed by unpredictable sea conditions, especially for cargo vessels navigating inter-island routes in the region.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.