Tanker with Chinese crew still under PCG custody

MANILA, Philippines — A tanker detained by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) last month after its seven Chinese crew and captain were found with insufficient papers remains under the custody of the PCG.

The PCG and Bureau of Immigration filed cases for illegal entry against the Chinese crewmembers of MT Hyperline 988, according to PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armando Balilo.

The PCG said the vessel dropped anchor in the waters off San Felipe in Zambales as a “more affordable option” to avoid paying anchorage fees in Manila.

Balilo said 25 to 30 deficiencies were discovered, which he described as “basic and could be easily corrected.”

He cited entries in the passports and seaman’s books of the Chinese crew, expired safety certificates and defective safety equipment certificates.

Balilo said the vessel, which was registered in Sierra Leone, would not be released without a clearance from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.

Meanwhile, the PCG initiated a medical evacuation of Zhang Dongguo, a Chinese sailor, who was injured in his boat off the coast of Zamboanga City.

Zhang “accidentally fell on the Accommodation B-Deck” of Shi Dailo on June 10, according to the PCG’s Southwestern Mindanao district.

The PCG deployed the BRP Capones, a 44-meter patrol vessel from the Ben Go Wharf in Zamboanga City to pick up Zhang.