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TOKYO (Reuters) – The Japanese coast guard said on Friday it was still searching for more than 40 crew members who went missing after a ship carrying cattle from New Zealand to China sank in stormy weather in the East China Sea.
A lone Gulf Livestock 1 crew member, who went missing Wednesday, has so far been rescued. Three boats, four planes and two divers were involved in the search, the coast guard said.
Gulf Navigation, based in the United Arab Emirates, issued a statement saying the Panamanian-flagged Gulf Livestock 1 was its vessel.
“Our hearts go out to those on board and their families at this time,” said a Gulf Navigation spokesperson. “We also express our deep regret for the sad loss of the livestock on board. We are monitoring the situation closely and working closely with those involved in rescue efforts. We pray for other survivors. “
The ship, carrying nearly 6,000 cows, sent a call for help from west of Amami Oshima Island in southwestern Japan on Wednesday when Typhoon Maysak hit the area with strong winds and storm surge.
Sareno Edvarodo, a 45-year-old chief from the Philippines, was rescued Wednesday night, Japan’s coast guard said. As of Thursday night, he was still the only person rescued so far, a coast guard official said, adding that the bodies of some cattle had been recovered.
The crew of 43 consisted of 39 from the Philippines, two from New Zealand and two from Australia, the coast guard said.
The coast guard quoted Edvarodo as saying the boat lost an engine before a wave hit it and capsized.
(Graphic: Path of the Gulf Livestock 1, livestock transport)
Report from Tetsushi Kajimoto; Edited by Lincoln Feast.
