THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is conducting a thorough investigation into a maritime incident that resulted in the capsizing of a Filipino Fishing Boat (FFB) DEARYN on 02 October 2023.
The incident occurred approximately 180 nautical miles from Agno, Pangasinan, after the vessel was rammed by a foreign commercial vessel.
The following individuals have been identified as casualties of the ramming incident: Boat Captain , 47; 2 boat crews , 38 and 62 years old from Calapandayan, Subic, Zambales
The 11 fishermen who survived have provided their accounts of the incident.
According to their statements, on 02 October 2023, at approximately 4:20AM, while FFB DEARYN was moored at their payao, adverse weather conditions and darkness may have contributed to their boat not being detected by the passing tanker vessel, thus resulting in the accidental ramming.
They further shared that they used their small service boats to transport the bodies of their fallen companions to Infanta, Pangasinan.
The PCG is diligently cross-referencing the fishermen’s accounts and the date and time to identify the vessels that passed through the exact incident location.
Efforts are being made to ascertain the identity of the vessel involved, and once identified, the PCG will reach out to the flag of the vessel and her next port of call for further investigation.
The PCG is committed to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation into this tragic incident.
