Rescue operations now ongoing for sunken RORO off Southern Leyte

Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO) Wikipedia photo

MANILA — Rescue operations are now ongoing for the passengers and crew of the M/V Maharlika II which sank off the waters of Liloan, Southern Leyte Saturday afternoon.

Central Command spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Jim Alagao said the rescue operation is now being coordinated by the units of the Philippine Coast Guard-Visayas.

The ship was carrying 58 passengers, 26 of which are the crew when it sank.

Initial reports claimed that the M/V Maharlika II sustained a “steering casualty” after being battered by heavy waves caused by Tropical Storm “Luis”.

It was not immediately known on how many passengers or crewmen are still missing or rescued as of this posting.

The ship was bound for Lipata, Surigao when the mishap happened.