China-flagged vessel rams fishers’ boat

Five Filipino fishermen narrowly dodged a brush with death when their boat was rammed by a vessel bearing the flag of China

off the shores of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, on 5 December, the Philippine Coast Guard reported on Thursday.

The PCG said the five fishermen, identified as Junrey Sardan, Ryan Jay Daus, Bryan Pangatungam, Cristian Arizala and Joshua Barbas, were rescued after their boat, Ruel J, collided with bulk carrier vessel, MV Tai Hang 8, at around 4 p.m.

Coast Guard Station Occidental Mindoro responded to the incident upon being notified at noon on 6 December.

Meanwhile, PCG Sub-station Sablayan immediately coordinated with the boat owner, identified as Jaziel Juano, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Juano, of Barangay Bagong Sikat in Puerto Princesa City, recounted that the fishermen had embarked on a six-month fishing expedition from Sablayan.

She said the crew was taking a break and waiting for nightfall to commence fishing. While they were tethered to a payao, an aggregating device for handline fishing, their boat was struck by the cargo ship.

"When they saw that the ship was headed toward them, they lowered a small service boat to move away. However, even though they had moved a considerable distance, the impact still affected the small boat. Our fishing boat, on the other hand, was destroyed and sunk," she said.

Juano informed the PCG in Sablayan about the incident and was told that the cargo vessel had departed from the Busuanga area to Indonesia.

The fishermen said the foreign vessel appeared unaware that it had struck them as it continued on its voyage, leaving them adrift in the water.

Photos of the cargo vessel showed what appeared to be Chinese markings on its side.

The PCG assured that the incident would be reported to Tai Hang 8's flag state and the Port State Control office in adherence to maritime incident procedures.

WITH Celeste Anna Formoso