FIVE Filipino seafarers died after a Chinese fishing vessel capsized in the Indian Ocean last week, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed Wednesday, May 24, 2023, quoting China’s transport minister Li Xiaopeng.
“We are saddened by this development. Since day one, we have been monitoring and coordinating with the Australian Maritime Rescue Center and the Chinese Embassy as to the progress of the search and rescue (SAR) operations,” PCG spokesperson CG Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said.
Balilo expressed gratitude to the Australian search and rescue operations that took part in scouring the vast waters amid unpredictable weather conditions.
He said they are now coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs to know what assistance they can extend to the fatalities and their kin. (SunStar Philippines)