death toll on MV princess now 124

maimi
June 26, 2008
Story 4: death toll on MV princess now 124

Death toll on MV Princess of the Stars now reached 124 as the search for more bodies continues. Out of 124 19 are male; 5 female; 2 children and 98 unidentified adults and still under verification..

The Philippine Coast Guard also reported 56 survivors on their list now; 40 male; 6 female; 5 still under verification and 5 crew members.

Though it is not clear now how many of the fatalities were seen floating and inside the vessel.

Meanwhile Police Regional Director 4B Chief Supt. Luisito Palmera reported that the divers already retrieved seven bodies from the vessel including one child. Palmera also added divers are having difficulty on getting more bodies inside the vessels because that some debris might fall on the divers.

In addition, Navy Spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said 14 bodies were already recovered floating at the sea at the vicinity of san Fernando, Romblon and was brought immediately to Cebu Princess being docked at Sibuyan Island.

According to him two vessels were at the area as well helping in retrieving the bodies. These are the PS-28 which is about 186 feet and DF-342 which is about 40-50 feet.

Arevalo explained that in the process of getting the bodies on the water. He said the ship will unload their rubber boats then the divers will get the bodies at the water then load it on the ship mentioned.

“This process take times, more than an hour, that is why many people think we are slow in our work here,” Arevalo said.

He also said that most of the bodies are far from each other. Another reason that is why their operations were being delayed.

He also added that from Romblon to the Burias Island where the Cebu Princess is, the travel time took 8 hours. So, it will took 8 hours in bringing the body from the sea to the depository vessel.

Communication problems also occurring, personnel from the site can not send proper information in Manila for consolidating the reports.