PCG finds Filipino fishermen’s ill-fated boat a week after collision

The PCG shares a photo of the ill-fated FFB Dearyn, the fishing boat which collided with a commercial ship in the West Philippine Sea. PCG photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday found the ill-fated fishing boat involved in a fatal collision with a commercial ship in the West Philippine Sea, its spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said.

Balilo said PCG’s BRP Malapascua found FFB Dearyn some 180 nautical miles off Agno, Pangasinan at around 12:40 p.m.

On October 2, three crew members of FFB Dearyn were killed while one sustained minor injuries following the collision of their boat with Pacific Anna, a crude oil tanker registered under the Marshall Islands.

“Based on the report, the fishing boat FFB Dearyn is reportedly in bad condition and would require to be lifted onboard a salvor ship to prevent further damaging the boat that would be used in the investigation of the collision with a crude oil tanker MT Pacific Anna,” Balilo told reporters.

READ: On fatal collision in WPS: PH contacts ship’s next stop, country of origin — PCG

“From its initial position of being capsized on its left side, with its two outriggers already detached and its plywood-made bow already missing, the fishing boat was reported to be floating,” he added.

READ: Fisher says collision of their boat with commercial ship an accident

Balilo said the salvor ship from private firm Harbor Star will leave Navotas port this Monday evening and may take two days to reach the waters off Agno town.

JPV