7 fishermen missing, 13 rescued after vessels collide in Palawan

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 29) — Authorities are searching for seven fishermen after their boat collided with a vessel off Maracanao Island, Agutaya, Palawan on Saturday, May 28.

The Philippine Coast Guard on Sunday reported that MV Happy Hiro, a cargo vessel sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, collided with FB JOT-18, a Filipino fishing vessel.

“A transiting fishing boat provided immediate rescue assistance to 13 out of 20 crew members of FB JOT-18. The seven crew members remain missing as of press time,” the PCG said in a statement.

“The 13 rescued fishermen were transferred to MV Happy Hiro which ferried them to the vicinity of Lipata, Culasi, Antique to seek further assistance,” it added.

The medical officer of MV Happy Hiro said the rescued fishermen obtained scratches and one had a minor wound on his head but remains in stable health.

"Upon clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine, PCG's BRP Panglao ferried the rescued fishermen to the shoreline,” the PCG said.

"PCG's BRP Suluan, PCG Station Cuyo, and PCG Sub-Station Agutay in Iloilo continue their operations to rescue the missing fishermen," it added.