Crew member hurt as 2 vessels collide in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines—A crew member was hurt when a fastcraft and a cargo vessel collided in the vicinity of Lawis Ledge in Talisay City, Cebu, Wednesday evening.

Chief engineer Romeo Astillero of Starcraft 9 fell into the waters shortly before 6 p.m. on Wednesday and became unconscious when the two vessels collided, said Commander Weniel Azcuna, commander of Coast Guard Cebu.  He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Starcraft 9 was bound for Bohol when it collided with MV Our Lady of Faith of Medallion Transport about 5:50 p.m.

The cargo vessel came from Naga City, Cebu, and was loaded with cement bags.

Azcuna said he didn’t know where the cargo vessel was heading.

During the collision, Astillero fell overboard.

“He was safely recovered and was immediately brought to the hospital upon arrival of Starcraft 9 at Pier 3 at 6:15 p.m.,” the Coast Guard report stated.

The rest of the crew and passengers were unharmed, the Coast Guard report said.

Azcuna said the passengers transferred to Starcraft 7, which left at 8 p.m. for Tubigon town in Bohol.

The MV Our Lady of Faith proceeded to Barangay (village) Tayud in Consolacion town in northern Cebu.

It did not sustain major damage but the skippers of two vessels were ordered to file their marine protest.