IT was mission accomplished for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who rescued six seamen and recovered the bodies of two fatalities in a two-vessel collision on Tuesday off Maasim, Sarangani province.
The PCG deployed four boats carrying rescue divers and response teams to conduct a search and rescue (SAR) operation following the collision of a Philippine flagged-tugboat M/TUG Sadong 33 and a Panamanian-flagged vessel off Maasim.
The tugboat had eight crew on board when the incident occurred. Six of the victims were rescued but their captain and a seventh crewman died in the mishap.
PCG medical personnel provided health checkups to the survivors and confirmed that they were all in good physical condition.
The initial oil spill assessment of the PCG marine environmental protection personnel yielded negative results. However, oil spill booms have already been laid out to ensure the protection of the marine environment and safety of nearby coastal communities.
PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, directed his men in Southern Mindanao to coordinate with Harbor Star Salvage Company for the salvage of M/Tug Sadong 33 and the immediate conduct of a Maritime Casualty Investigation (MCI).
Gavan also instructed his legal officers to handle the filing of appropriate charges against the master and crew of the Panamanian vessel MV Universe Kiza.
The survivors said their tugboat was LCT Sea Asia from Glan, Sarangani enroute to Iligan City, using approximately 50 to 100-meter towing rope when the accident occurred.
They said the MV Universe Kiza , crossed their path, hitting the towing cord leading to the capsizing of their tugboat.
LCT Sea Asia remained in the vicinity waters of Maasim, while MV Universe Kiza continued its voyage to General Santos City, drop anchor and 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. 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 expressed.