HK Cargo Crew Didn’t Help Enough To Save PH Fishermen – Coast Guard

HK Cargo Crew Didn’t Help Enough In Saving PH Fishermen They Hit

HK CREW DIDN’T HELP ENOUGH – According to investigations by the Philippine Coast Guard, the crew of cargo ship, Vienna Wood didn’t do enough to save the Filipino fishermen.

On Saturday, the cargo ship, Vienna Wood, collided with a small fishing vessel, Liberty 5. Because of the impact, the small fishing vessel capsized causing 14 Filipino fishermen to be lost at sea.

Based on the investigation, the crew only did half of what they were supposed to do following the collision with the Filipino fishing vessel, Liberty 5. The collision happened off the coast of Mamburao town in Mindoro Occidental.

HK Cargo Crew Didn't Help Enough To Save PH Fishermen - Coast Guard
Image from: Inquirer

READ: Search For 14 Filipinos After Boat Crash With Hong Kong Continues

As the large cargo vessel hit the small ship, the crew did not deploy any of the lifeboats on deck. Moreover, Vice Adm. George Ursabia Jr., the Coast Guard commandant, said that the crew didn’t even provide any form of assistance to the fishermen.

Based on an article from Inquirer, the crew relied on seven other boards near the area to respond. Meanwhile, Vienna Wood went away from the wreckage to avoid doing more damage to the fishing boat and avoid hitting rescuers.

However, during an online press briefing, Ursabia emphasized that it was too early to make conclusions.

It’s too early to conclude [that they did all they can], but if you’re a mariner on a huge ship and there are small boats responding [to the incident], the first thing you would do is to move away because you may drift toward them due to the strong waves. By the time you have maneuvered away, only then can you launch your rescue team

But, no such efforts were conducted by the Vienna Wood as it moved away from the scene. According to Ursabia, even if there were already boats coming to rescue the crew, Vienna Wood should have given immediate assistance.

Unfortunately, Vienna Wood said the sea conditions were unfavorable. As such, they were unable to launch its own rescue team. Additionally, they said that the visibility was poor at that time.

Currently, there is still no signs of survivors from the crew of Liberty 5.

READ ALSO: 14 Filipinos Missing At Sea After Chinese Vessel Rams Their Boat

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