A Chinese-flagged bulk carrier collided with a Philippine fishing boat off Paluan, Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday afternoon, leaving five fishermen stranded in the water. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Thursday that the MV Tai Hang 8, the vessel involved in the collision with the FBCA Ruel J, was registered in China.
An “allision,” a maritime term referring to an accident where a moving vessel runs into a stationary one, occurred between the waters of Occidental Mindoro and Palawan, which are part of the West Philippine Sea, at approximately 4 p.m. on December 5. The Chinese ship collided with the fishing boat, which was moored to a fishing aggregation device.
The PCG stated, “The ill-fated fishing banca Ruel J and its crew, allegedly hit by MV Tai Hang 8, was said to have been left adrift as the foreign vessel continued its voyage unknowingly.” The PCG received information about the incident on December 6 and immediately sought out the boat owner in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Fortunately, three other fishing boats – the Joker, Precious Heart, and Jaschene – came to the rescue and towed the Ruel J and its crew to Pandan Island, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. The crew members, identified as Junrey Sardan, Ryan Jay Daus, Bryan Pangatungam, Cristian Arizala, and Joshua Barbas, were found to be in good physical condition upon arrival in Sablayan.
The PCG provided the fishermen with essential supplies and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office conducted medical checkups on them. The PCG also advised the captain and owner of the Ruel J to file a marine protest and assured that the incident would be reported to the Chinese Port State Control office.
However, questions have been raised as to why the Chinese ship did not stop to assist the Filipino fishermen who were left adrift overnight. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, it is the responsibility of any vessel that witnesses an incident at sea to come to the aid of the distressed vessel.
The PCG is diligently coordinating with the ship’s company to uncover the truth surrounding the incident. The incident will also be reported to the Chinese Port State Control office, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.
This collision raises concerns about the lack of assistance provided by the Chinese ship to the Filipino fishermen. International maritime laws, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, emphasize the importance of rendering aid to vessels in distress. Failure to do so can have severe consequences and may lead to legal repercussions.
It is crucial for all vessels, regardless of their nationality, to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals at sea. Accidents happen, but it is the responsibility of every ship to take immediate action to ensure the safety of those involved.
As investigations continue, it is hoped that the truth surrounding this incident will be uncovered, and appropriate measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The safety and welfare of fishermen and seafarers should always be a top priority, and adherence to international maritime laws is essential to achieve this goal.
Source: The Manila Times
