Philippines Coast Guard Rescues Six After Tugboat Capsizes in Bulker Collision

The Philippines Coast Guard recently rescued six crewmembers and recovered the bodies of two others, including the captain, after a tragic incident involving a bulker and a tugboat. The tugboat, registered in the Philippines, capsized when the bulker, named Universe Kiza, ran over its towline. The incident occurred at 0420 local time near Maasim, Sarangani Province. The Coast Guard responded quickly, dispatching four boats with rescue divers and response teams to the scene.

The Chinese-owned bulker, Universe Kiza, weighing 28,388 dwt, has been detained and sent to the anchorage at General Santos City. The Coast Guard is preparing to file appropriate charges against the master and crew of the vessel. The bulker, built in 2004 and registered in Panama, was transporting a load of concrete from Vietnam. Survivors from the tug reported that they were towing a barge with a towline of approximately 50 to 100 meters when the bulker attempted to pass between the tug and the barge.

The tug, named Sadong 33, had a crew of eight onboard when it capsized from the impact. The Coast Guard managed to rescue six seafarers from the water, while the bodies of the captain and an oiler were later recovered. The survivors received medical attention and were reported to have minor injuries. As a precaution, oil booms have been placed around the tug, and a salvage company is currently working to recover the vessel.

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