MANILA — Cast adrift for nearly a day, five Filipino fishermen were rescued after their fishing boat, the Ruel J, was allegedly rammed by the Chinese cargo ship MV Tai Hang 8 off the waters of Occidental Mindoro province.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported the incident as a hit-and-run in the West Philippine Sea, leaving the victims stranded until their rescue near Pandan Island.
The PCG’s Occidental Mindoro station revealed that the Ruel J was anchored at a fishing installation when the collision occurred.
Survivors shared accounts of the Chinese vessel continuing its journey without realizing the impact.
However, the boat’s owner claimed that the fishermen observed the crew aboard the MV Tai Hang 8 looking at them moments before the collision.
The five survivors—Junrey Sardan, Ryan Jay Daus, Bryan Pangatungam, Cristian Arizala, and Joshua Barbas—were rescued and brought to safety by FBCA Joker, with the damaged boat towed to the Sablayan port.
The PCG has assured a thorough investigation, with plans to report the incident to China and relevant maritime authorities.
Sablayan Mayor Walter Marquez expressed concern over the fishermen’s inability to identify the vessel’s owner, calling for legal intervention by the local government.
This incident follows previous instances of Chinese vessels colliding with Filipino fishing boats, highlighting ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
As the victims recover from the traumatic experience, the plea for assistance and justice echoes, emphasizing the urgent need to address the recurring issue of maritime collisions in the region.
(ai/mnm)