PCG rescues 6, recovers 2 bodies after vessel collision off Sarangani

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MANILA, Philippines — Six individuals were rescued, while the remains of two others were recovered after a Philippine-flagged tugboat and Panamanian-flagged vessel collided off  Sarangani province on Tuesday morning, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The PCG reported that it deployed four floating assets carrying rescue divers and response teams to conduct a search and rescue (SAR) operation in the vicinity waters of Maasim.

“The distressed tugboat, M/TUG Sadong 33, had eight crew on board when the incident occurred,” the agency said.

“Six of them survived the collision, but the SAR team reported the recovery of two cadavers – the tugboat’s captain and oiler,” it added.

PCG said its medical personnel already provided health checkups to the survivors and reported that they were all in good physical condition.

Following the collision, the PCG also conducted an initial oil spill assessment in the area, which yielded a negative result.

“PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan PCG, directed the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao to coordinate with Harbor Star Salvage Company for the salvage of M/Tug Sadong 33 and the immediate conduct of a Maritime Casualty Investigation,” the agency said.

“Admiral Gavan also instructed Coast Guard legal officers to handle the filing of appropriate charges against the master and crew of MV Universe Kiza,” it added.