Rescuers find missing deceased victim of vessel collision off Sarangani, Philippines

The Philippine Coast Guard has recovered the body of one of two people who perished as a result of a collision between a cargo vessel and a tug off Sarangani province in the southern Philippines earlier this week.

The victim has been identified as the oiler of the tug Sadong 33, which capsized after the tow line between it and a non-self-propelled barge was struck by the Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Universe Kaisa off the coast of Sarangani's Maasim municipality at around 04:20 local time on Tuesday, March 25.

The coast guard conducted a search and rescue (SAR) operation that led to the recovery of the body of the tug's captain and six survivors from the surrounding waters.

An oil spill assessment was also conducted and it was determined that the incident did not result in any pollution. Spill booms were nonetheless deployed off Maasim as the SAR effort was underway.

The coast guard has contracted local salvage company Harbor Star Shipping Services to tow the capsized tug to the nearest port.

Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, has meanwhile ordered the service's legal officers handle the filing of appropriate charges against the master and the crew of Universe Kaisa.

The coast guard said the bulk carrier continued towards its final destination of General Santos City some 50 kilometres away following the collision.

The crew has since been ordered to cooperate with investigators to determine the events that led to the incident.