PCG presents to media recovered fishing boat involved in WPS tragedy

FFB Dearyn (Photo dated October 16, 2023 from INQUIRER.net /Ryan Leagogo)

PAMPANGA, Philippines — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday presented to the media the capsized fishing boat involved in a fatal ‘allision’ in West Philippine Sea.

Allision means one ship runs over another ship that is stationary.

FFB Dearyn was stationary when the tragedy occurred on October 2.

The watercraft was recovered over the weekend.

It was presented during a press conference here at Rivera Wharf in Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo city.

Three crew members of FFB Dearyn were killed, while one sustained minor injuries following the allision of their boat with Pacific Anna.

Pacific Anna was a crude oil tanker registered under the Marshall Islands.

Vice Admiral Joseph Coyme, Commander of PCG’s Maritime Safety Services Command, ordered the deployment of BRP Malapascua last October 8 to secure the fishing vessel.

At that time, PCG was waiting for a salvor vessel from private firm Harbor Star.

On October 11, Harbor Star’s salvor vessel MT Avior arrived on the exact location of the allision some 180 nautical miles off Agno, Pangasinan.

Coyme said the fishing vessel was then towed for six days until it arrived at Subic Freeport before midnight of Sunday, October 15.

The owner of FFB Dearyn requested the return of the ill-fated fishing boat, according to PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo.

However, Coyme said the boat will be preserved as evidence for now.

He explained it will be useful in the investigation of PCG and Marshall Island authorities.

“We anticipated that request also,” Coyme said about the owner’s request.

“So there is an intention of the flag state, who also is conducting their independent investigation, that they want to conduct an ocular investigation,” he said.

Coyme noted Philippine National Police (PNP) has the final say about the boat’s return.

“For the meantime, we will just preserve this fishing boat,” he told reporters.

“And by the time we have completed the investigation, together with the Marshall Islands, perhaps we can communicate with the PNP in Infanta, who has the jurisdiction with this investigation,” he added.

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