A cargo vessel carrying 35,000 bags of cement sank off the coast of Antique early Sunday morning (January 22).

Various reports said the M/V Sea Ford sank 200 meters off Barangay San Pedro in San Jose at 2 a.m. Sunday.  Fishermen and rescue teams rescued all 18 crewmembers.

Authorities said the ship was on its way to the port of Lipata in Culasi, Antique, from Iligan City when water entered through a hole in the ship’s hull. Aside from cement, the vessel owned by Seaford Shipping Lines, is carrying 9,000 liters of diesel fuel.

The local Coast Guard has been ordered to work with the local government unit to prepare for possible oil spillage.