MANILA, Philippines (Updated 8:30 p.m.) — Two crew members died after a Philippine-flagged tugboat and a Panamanian-flagged cargo vessel collided two kilometers off the seaside Maasim town in Sarangani.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered the bodies at 4:20 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, and rescued six crew members in its search and rescue operation.
According to the PCG, they identified the fatalities as Andres Diaz Jr., the captain and his aide, John Jeter Labor, oiler of the Philippine-flagged tugboat M/TUG Sadong 33, which had eight crew members on board when the incident occurred.
The survivors have since undergone medical checkups and were confirmed to be in good physical condition.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has ordered the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao to conduct a maritime casualty investigation and tasked the Harbor Star Salvage Company with retrieving the capsized tugboat.
Based on interviews with survivors, the PCG learned that M/TUG Sadong 33 was towing LCT Sea Asia, a cargo vessel from Glan, Sarangani, en route to Iligan City.
However, the MV Universe Kiza, a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship, reportedly passed between the tugboat and the towed vessel, causing the tugboat to capsize.
LCT Sea Asia remained in the vicinity of Maasim as of 3 p.m. Tuesday, while MV Universe Kiza proceeded to General Santos City to cooperate with the investigation.
“We express our sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Rest assured that your Coast Guard will do its best to investigate and resolve the case,” Gavan said in a statement.
He also ordered the coast guard's legal officers to file charges against the master and crew of MV Universe Kiza.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring maritime safety, safeguarding lives, and protecting the rich marine environment within the country’s maritime jurisdiction,” Gavan added.
No oil spill. The PCG said an initial environmental assessment found no oil spill from the incident.
However, as a precaution, oil spill booms were deployed in nearby coastal areas. These floating barriers are used to contain or absorb oil and prevent further contamination.