39 dead, including 5 Pinoys, after Chinese boat capsized in Indian Ocean

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24) — Five Filipino seafarers were among the 39 crew members who died after a Chinese fishing vessel capsized in the Indian Ocean last week, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed Wednesday.

The PCG said the information was reported by China's Transport Minister Li Xiaopeng.

“We are saddened by this development. Since day one, we have been monitoring and coordinating with the Australian Maritime Rescue Center and the Chinese Embassy as to the progress of the search and rescue (SAR) operations," PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said in a statement.

Balilo said the PCG is now in talks with the Department of Foreign Affairs to discuss any assistance for the bereaved families.

According to reports, the nationalities of other crew members were Indonesian and Chinese.

The vessel, owned by Penglai Jinglu Fishery Co, capsized at 3 a.m. on May 16.

It was not immediately clear if all the bodies have been retrieved. Earlier reports said rescuers found seven bodies, but their nationalities were not specified.