2 dead, 2 injured in Batangas sea mishap

Batangas map. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Two crewmen died while two passengers were injured after two vessels collided off Verde Island in Batangas on Wednesday noon, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

In its initial report, the PCG said passenger vessel Ocean Jet 6 and water taxi Hop & Go 1 collided at around :30 p.m.

Hop & Go 1 had five passengers and four crew members.

Two of the water taxi’s Filipino crew members, including the boat captain, died, while two of their passengers sustained injuries.

Meanwhile, all 105 passengers and 19 crewmen of Ocean Jet 6 arrived safely at Calapan Port.

As of posting timer, a rescue team is towing Hop & Go 1 to Puerto Galera.

Ocean Jet 6 was en route to Calapan from Batangas City  while Hop & Go 1 was en route to Batangas from Puerto Galera when the collision occurred.

The Philippine Ports Authority did not provide additional details on the collision. (with a report from Delfin Mallari, INQUIRER Southern Luzon)