THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has assisted in rescuing five fishermen following an alleged allision between their boat, FBCA RUEL J, and a bulk carrier vessel, MV TAI HANG 8, in the vicinity waters near Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, at around 4PM on 05 December 2023.
The PCG received information regarding the incident at 12NN yesterday, 06 December 2023. They immediately coordinated with the boat owner in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
FBCA Joker, FBCA Precious Heart, and FBCA Jaschene conducted rescue and towing operations near Pandan Island, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.
According to the fishermen, their boat was lying in Paluan waters attached to a “payao,” a type of fish aggregating device, when they were hit by MV TAI HANG 8. They also shared that they were left adrift as the foreign vessel continued its voyage.
Upon arrival at the Port of Sablayan, the PCG ensured the fishermen were all in good physical condition and provided them with essential supplies.
The MDRRMO conducted safety check-ups while the local barangay extended additional assistance to the rescued individuals. The Municipality of Sablayan and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Sablayan also pledged aid before turning them over to their immediate families.
The PCG advised FBCA RUEL J’s captain and owner to file a marine protest and assured them that they will report the incident to MV TAI HANG 8’s flag state and Port State Control office in adherence to maritime incident procedures and investigate the incident further.
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