7 missing, 13 rescued as fishing, cargo vessels collide off Palawan

The 13 rescued crew members of fishing vessel FB JOT-18, which collided with cargo vessel MV Happy Hiro on May 28. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)

MANILA, Philippines — Seven fishermen are missing after their boat collided with a cargo vessel off Palawan on Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Sunday morning.

Cargo vessel MV Happy Hiro — sailing under the flag of Marshall Islands — and Filipino fishing vessel FB JOT-18 collided in waters off Maracanao Island, Agutaya, Palawan.

“A transiting fishing boat provided immediate rescue assistance to 13 out of 20 crew members of FB JOT-18. The seven crew members remain missing as of press time,” the PCG said in a statement.

“The 13 rescued fishermen were transferred to MV Happy Hiro which ferried them to the vicinity  of Lipata, Culasi, Antique to seek further assistance,” the PCG added.

 

PCG’s BRP Panglao transported the 13 survivors to port after getting clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine.

Twelve of the 13 fishermen suffered scratches while the other one had a minor wound on his head, MV Happy Hiro’s medical officer said.

The rescued fishermen, mostly from Bantayan Island, Cebu were identified as:

-Donde Petiero, 38

-Roderico Mata, 31

-Randy Mata, 36

-Renie Espinosa, 38

-Mario Quezon, 24

-Sammuel Ducay, 40

-Rendil Dela Peña, 42

-Martin E. Flores Jr., 58

-Jupiter Jbañiez, 38

-Andring Pasicaran, 43

-Jonel Mata, 30

-Joemar Pahid, 32

-Arjay Barsaga, 26

Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the missing fishermen.

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