Gas-United

The "Epic St. Martin" was involved in a rescue operation after the Philippine flagged ferry "Maharlika II", 1865 gt (IMO 8129773), sank in choppy waters late on Sep 13 midway between Surigao City and Southern Leyte, while en route from Surigao to Liloan, Southern Leyte. The vessel encountered heavy weather with high seas and strong winds, the engine failed around 4 p.m., and the ship capsized after it could no longer be held against the waves and wind. At 4.30 p.m. the ferry "Maharlika 4" started an SAR Operation, later joined by the LPG tanker and the bulk carrier "Lara Venture". Initial reports said there were 84 people on the ferry – 56 adults, 2 children, and 26 crew. Philippine Coast Guard report mentioned 105 rescued people and two fatalities by 02.14 a.m. LT on Sep 14. 34 already have been disembarked in Surigao, which had most probably been rescued by the "Maharlika4", 53 and two dead were on board of the "Epic St. Martin", one on board the "Orient King" and 17 on board of the "Lara Venture".