THREE Filipino fishermen, including the boat captain, were reported dead when their boat capsized after it was reportedly rammed by a still unidentified commercial vessel off the waters of Bajo de Masinloc (BDM) at around 4:20 a.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Filipino Fishing Boat (FFB) Dearyn was moored at its payao about 85 nautical miles off BDM or 180 nautical miles from Agno, Pangasinan when the incident occurred.
The three casualties were all from Calapandayan, Subic, Zambales. Ten other crew members of the boat survived the incident.
According to a survivor’s account provided by the PCG, the crew members of the FFB Dearyn were unable to detect the approaching vessel due to the adverse weather conditions, which resulted in the collision that caused the boat to capsize.
The victims were transported to the PCG sub-station in Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan.
In a statement, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. expressed sadness over the deaths of the three Filipino fishermen.
“We are deeply saddened by the deaths of the three fishermen, including the captain of the fishing vessel. The incident is still under investigation to ascertain the details and circumstances surrounding the collision between the fishing boat and a still unidentified commercial vessel.”
“We assure the victims, their families, and everyone that we will exert every effort to hold accountable those who are responsible for this unfortunate maritime incident. Let us allow the PCG to do its job and investigate and let us refrain from engaging in speculation in the meantime. Rest assured that the government will provide support and assistance to the vicitims and their families,” the statement added.
In an update, the PCG said that after cross-referencing the account of one of the survivors, they checked on marine traffic at the date and time the survivor mentioned. It turned out that the vessel was a crude oil tanker named Pacific Anna and is registered under the flag of Marshall Islands.
The PCG said it will reach out to the flag of the vessel and next port it will visit so that it can be boarded by the Port State Control Officers.
Investigation is still ongoing, according to the PCG.