SURVIVORS A photo released by the Philippine Coast Guard on Thursday shows the five Filipino fishermen who survived a “hit-and-run” incident in the West Philippine Sea. The PCG said their boat, the Ruel J, was stationary some 46 kilometers west of Paulan town, Occidental Mindoro, when hit by a Chinese cargo ship around 4 p.m. on Dec. 5. —PHOTO FROM PCG-OCCIDENTAL MINDORO STATION
MANILA, Philippines — The fishing boat hit by a Chinese cargo ship in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) accepted full settlement from the latter, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Saturday.
In a statement, the PCG said Filipino fishing boat Ruel J accepted an amicable settlement due to the loss and damage caused by MV Tai Hang.
However, the amount was not disclosed by the PCG.
According to PCG, it coordinated with Pandiman Philippines, Incorporated — a maritime services company appointed by vessel owners Taihang Shipping Company Limited — to assess damages to the fishing banca.
Ruel J was moored to a fishing aggregation device or payao when it had an alleged allision with Chinese bulk carrier MV Tai Hang 8 on Dec. 5 off Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.
A maritime incident is described as allision — as opposed to collision — when a vessel runs over a stationary boat.
This is the second case of allision in the WPS this year, following the incident last October involving a ship under the Marshall Islands that led to the death of three Filipino fishermen.