The Philippine Coast Guard reports the cargo vessel Sta. Monica-A1 has foundered in waters off Paluan, Philippines. On October 22, the Sta. Monica-A1 had departed from Sta. Cruz, Taytay, Palawan bound for Casia with 10 crew and a cargo of 100 water buffalos. The vessel encountered rough seas caused by Super Typhoon Kristine and the vessel was attempting to seek shelter. For several days the vessel owners, Synergy Sea Venture Inc., were unable to contact the vessel. The hope was the vessel had sought shelter in a remote area and it was just unable to communicate. By October 27 the owners contacted authorities their vessel was missing.  The Philippine Coast Guard requested vessels in the area for assistance and to keep a lookout for the Sta. Monica-A1.

On October 28, a local fishermen reported seeing multiple bodies and number of dead animals floating in the water some 14 nautical miles off Paluan. The following day a life jacket marked “MV STA MONICA-A1” along with two life rings were pulled from the water some 10 miles off Paluan and later secured by the Philippine Coast Guard. Authorities have launched search for further debris along with aerial search for additional signs of the vessel. Reports state several gas tanks were pulled from the water off Paluan.

Reports state search operations will continue with weather and sea conditions permitting.