GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 26 March) — Two Filipino crew members of a tugboat died Tuesday after a Panamanian vessel hit and snapped its towing line, causing the tugboat to capsize off Maasim municipality in Sarangani province, the Philippine Coast Guard reported. The PCG recovered the bodies of the captain and the oiler of M/TUG Sadong 33, who remain unidentified, following the 4:20 a.m. incident. Lt. Junior Grade Gideon Dulnuan of Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao stated that M/TUG Sadong 33 was towing cargo vessel LCT Sea Asia from Glan to Iligan City when MV Universe Kiza struck the towing line, leading to the tugboat’s capsizing 6.6 nautical miles from Barangay Kabatiol. MV Universe Kiza was reportedly en route from Vietnam to General Santos. Five of the eight crew members sought refuge on the cargo vessel, while three were left in the water. The PCG deployed four rescue boats with divers and response teams, rescuing all six crew members in good condition. Marine environmental protection personnel found no oil spill but laid out oil spill booms as a precaution. Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan directed Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao to coordinate with Harbor Star Salvage Company for salvage operations and a maritime casualty investigation. He also instructed legal officers to file appropriate charges against MV Universe Kiza’s master and crew, who are cooperating with the investigation in General Santos. Gavan expressed condolences to the bereaved families, reaffirming the PCG’s commitment to maritime safety and environmental protection. (Richelyn Gubalani / MindaNews)
