The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continued its search and rescue (SAR) efforts in response to the maritime incident involving one missing crew of RTM Zheng He, a Singaporean vessel traveling from China en route to Australia on December 28.
A Beechcraft Baron 58 Twin Engine aircraft (RP-C3606) departed from Zamboanga International Airport for a four-hour mission to search the area northwest of Bongo Island, Basilan.
The designated search area was located at Latitude 07 degrees 29 hours 16 minutes North and Longitude 120 degrees 11 hours west approximately 83.93 nautical miles from the island.
During the search, the aircraft said it only observed multiple vessels and small debris. The search area was expanded to waters near Jolo, Sulu Island, at 12:15 PM, where several fishing boats were seen, but still no trace of the missing crew member.
The aerial search concluded at 2:07 PM with the aircraft returning to
Zamboanga International Airport without any new findings.
The PCG continues to deploy assets and coordinate with vessels in the
region, including the BRP Capones (MRRV-4404), in the effort to locate
Aguaviva Gel Jutba, the Filipino crew member who went missing from the
RTM Zheng He on December 26.
