A CHINESE vessel allegedly hit a Filipino fishing boat that was stationary in the waters near Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, on Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Thursday.
”According to the fishermen, their boat (FBCA RUEL J) was lying in Paluan waters attached to a ‘payao,’ a type of fish aggregating device, when they were hit by (bulk carrier vessel) MV TAI HANG 8. They also shared that they were left adrift as the foreign vessel continued its voyage,” the PCG said about the incident, which occurred around 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Upon learning about the incident at 12 p.m. Wednesday, the PCG coordinated with the boat owner. Rescue and towing operations were then conducted.
The PCG said they ensured the fishermen were all in good physical condition and provided them with essential supplies.
It also advised FBCA RUEL J’s captain and owner to file a marine protest and said it would report the incident to MV TAI HANG 8’s flag state and Port State Control office in accordance with maritime incident procedures.
