The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is reporting it rescued six crewmembers and recovered the cadavers of two victims after the collision of a Philippine flagged-tugboat and Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier in the vicinity waters of Maasim, Sarangani Province on 25 March.
The PCG deployed four floating assets carrying rescue divers and response teams to conduct a search and rescue operation.
In an incident report, the PCG said the distressed tugboat had eight crew on board when the incident occurred. Six of them survived the collision, but the search and rescue team reported the recovery of two cadavers – the tugboat’s captain and oiler.
The coast guard medical personnel provided health checkups to the survivors and confirmed that they are all in good physical condition.
Following the collision, the PCG also conducted an initial oil spill assessment, which yielded a negative result.
However, oil spill booms have already been laid out to ensure the protection of the marine environment and safety of nearby coastal communities.
Meanwhile, immediate actions were taken for the salvage of the tug and the conduct of a marine casualty investigation.
The Coast Guard also reports it has instructed its legal officers to handle the filing of appropriate charges against the master and crew of the bulk carrier.
The PCG continues to investigate the incident.
