PCG to make final sweep of ill-fated M/V June Aster’s engine room

CALAPAN CITY—The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will conduct a final sweep of the engine room of M/V June Aster in Coron, Palawan on Saturday (Sept. 19).

This comes after responders successfully removed water and gained access to the flooded compartment.

The PCG said its response team was working on the engine room on Friday (Sept. 18) as search and investigation operations continued following the maritime disaster involving the vessel.

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The final sweep will be carried out by a joint team from the PCG, Philippine National Police Forensic Group, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Coron Municipal Police Office.

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Meanwhile, two divers from the vessel’s designated salvor held an initial underwater survey of the M/V June Aster as part of preparations for its salvage plan.

The survey is intended to provide information needed to develop the vessel’s salvage operations.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, Coast Guard District Palawan Deputy Commander Capt. Adonis Añasco and four PCG legal officers also met with the victims’ families.

The officials listened to the families’ concerns and inquiries on the ongoing response and provided legal assistance, the PCG said.

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According to the PCG, it will continue search, investigation and response operations while providing assistance to families affected by the tragedy.

The PCG did not provide additional details on the number of casualties or the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s sinking or flooding in its latest update.

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At least 76 persons are confirmed to have died in the blaze that engulfed the vessel on September 9. /apl