PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, has ordered an investigation regarding the collision involving a passenger vessel (Ocean Jet 6) and water taxi (Hop & Go 1) in the vicinity waters off Verde Island, Batangas at around 12:30PM today, 31 January 2024.
Based on the initial investigation, Ocean Jet 6 was underway from Batangas to Calapan, while Hop & Go 1 was en route to Batangas from Puerto Galera when the maritime incident occurred.
According to Coast Guard Station Batangas Commander, CG Captain Jerome Jeciel, two Filipino crew of Hop & Go 1 lost their lives due to the incident – boat captain and third mate.
Two other crew members are at the Coast Guard Sub-Station Puerto Galera, providing their sworn statements regarding the maritime incident to determine the cause of the collision.
Two of the four Chinese passengers were wounded, while the remaining two were in good physical condition.
Meanwhile, the Swedish passenger decided to return home.
In total, Hop & Go 1 had four Filipino crew and five foreign passengers on board.
Meanwhile, all 105 passengers and 19 crew of Ocean Jet 6 were safe and in good physical condition when they arrived at Calapan Port.
As of press time, the responding team is towing Hop & Go 1 to Puerto Galera, where its yard is located.
The wounded passengers are now receiving needed medical assistance, while the authorities are coordinating with the bereaved families of the two Filipino crew.
