MANILA, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Search and rescue operations are underway for 20 missing crew members from a cargo vessel that ran aground in waters off southern province Surigao del Norte, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Tuesday.
The vessel LCT Cebu Great Ocean ran aground on the shoreline of Malimono town in Surigao del Norte on Monday afternoon, said PCG.
The vessel is reportedly loaded with nickel ore and approximately 2,000 liters of diesel on board.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said the crew members were forced to abandon the vessel following the incident. The cause was not immediately known, but the weather was bad in the area due to Typhoon Surigae.
PCG temporarily suspended the search and rescue operations on Monday evening due to poor visibility and rough seas. The operations resumed on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, PCG issued "Notice to Mariners" for possible sightings of the crew members. Enditem
