Press Release No. 071-03
26 February 2003
SOLE
SURVIVOR OF M/V MAHLIA RECOUNTS ORDEAL
A Consular Officer from the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo was able to speak
this afternoon with the lone crew member of the M/V Mahlia who has been rescued
so far. Mr. Nilo Macasling remains in a hospital in Kagoshima City. Mr, Macasling
is reportedly physically fine and feels much better despite his ordeal at
sea for 30 hours. He was able to speak with his wife in Lanao del Norte this
morning and he gave her the assurance that he is in good condition.
Mr. Macasling recounted that the M/V Mahlia overturned at around 3:00 a.m.
of 24 February. The water rushing into the ship pushed the crew members into
the seawaters. He had no life jacket on him so he held on to a flotsam until
he came across a raft hours later and was able to use its’ equipment to signal
distress. He reported seeing four crew members with life jackets, including
the ship’s captain. As mentioned earlier he was rescued 25 February.
The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo will coordinate with the Philippine Consulate
in Osaka so that they can also attend to him along with the representatives
of the ship owners. END