Starlite Ferries Inc., owner of the MV Starlite Atlantic that sank between Maricaban and Puerto Galera on Monday, Dec. 26, at the height of Typhoon “Nina,” is sparing no effort to assist in search and rescue operations.
Starlite Ferries executive vice president for Operations Glenn Tabanao said the shipping firm regularly provides relatives updates on its own search and rescue efforts as well as those launched by local government units, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, the Red Cross and volunteers.
Tabanao clarified that the ship captain is currently recuperating with his family. Once he has fully recovered from the ordeal, the shipping executive said he will make himself available to the appropriate fact-finding body.
The MV Starlite Atlantic was anchored at the Batangas sheltering area when the ship drifted away due to strong winds and big waves despite the valiant efforts by its 35-member crew to save the vessel. One female crew member died and 16 were rescued but 18 others remain missing.
The shipping firm reiterated that it is doing everything humanly possible to assist the families of the victims of the tragedy and is coordinating closely with all concerned LGUs, the Coast Guard and other agencies to assist the survivors in whatever way possible.
Typhoon “Nina” packed winds of up to 185 kph in the center and gusts of 215 kph as it passed through the archipelago.