Eight persons were rescued after two motorized bancas were hit by a cargo vessel off Hilutongan Channel in Cordova town, Cebu yesterday afternoon.
The investigation that followed showed “Super Blue” banca skippered by Primo Patigdas Sr. was towing the other boat “Boyla” which stalled in waters between Sulpa and Nalusuan islets.
Also aboard Super Blue were Primo Patigdas Jr., 20, and Martin Torion Jr., 58.
Boyla was manned by captain Amante Dano, 34, with crewmen Judy Val Patigdas, 16, and Virgilio Macasero, 29.
Boyla had a couple on board for an island-hopping outing when its engine conked out.
Both boats are owned by Simplicio Gilig Jr. who runs a dive shop and offers island-hopping services in barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.
Primo said they were crossing the Hilutongan Channel when they saw the oncoming cargo vessel MV SF Provider.
Primo said they waved a white flag hoping that the cargo vessel would slow down and give way.
“Lisud man gud kung kami maoy mo lower og speed kay naa baya ko’y giguyod unya basin madumbolan mi sa among giguyod. (It’s hard on our part to reduce speed because I was pulling another boat),” said Primo.
Primo said the cargo vessel did not slow down. He said he tried to maneuver to the left to prevent a collision but the cargo vessel still ended up hitting the two boats.
The damage Boyla sustained caused it to sink.
The cargo vessel stopped after the collision and sought help from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
After an initial investigation, the vessel was allowed to proceed to San Fernando town where it was supposed to load sacks of cement to be brought to Davao City.
Emy Bonghanoy, a barangay councilor of Maribago and commander of the 202nd Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary based in the area, said the couple on board Boyla didn’t file a complaint.
The PCG asked the parties involved to file a marine protest so further investigation will be made to determine who should be held liable for the incident.
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