20 missing as cargo ship sinks off N. Philippines

Philippine authorities are now conducting search and rescue operations for 20 crew members of a Panamanian cargo vessel that sank off northern province of Ilocos, coast guard spokesman said on Saturday. Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente said that a ship and two helicopters have been sent off Cape Bojedor, Burgos town in Ilocos Norte province where MV Oceanic Union reportedly submerged. He said the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center alerted the Philippine Coast Guard regarding the distressed vessel Friday night. The cargo vessel came from Shanghai, China's leading port, and was supposed to go to Subic port in northern Philippine province of Zambales.