Two Ships Collide Off Southern Philippines

MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / 05 Sept) – A cargo and passenger ship collided at dawn Wednesday off the southern Philippine province of Misamis Oriental, maritime officials said.

Officials said there were no casualties in the collision between the cargo ship, LCT Sarah and the Asia Hong Kong ferry.

“No one was killed or hurt in the accident,” said Galileo Garcia, spokesman for the Maritime Industry Authority.

“It was an early morning accident. We are still waiting reports from the captains of the vessels about the collision,” Garcia said.

But the collision tore a hole on the left of the cargo ship, its captain Edgardo Paniquit, said. “The damage (to the ship) is big,” he said, adding, the vessel was towed to a shipyard in the province for repair.

The cargo ship was on its way to Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental province from Manila to deliver 40 containers of fertilizers when it collided with the Cebu-based ferry, owned by Trans Asia Shipping Lines. Paniquit said the ferry was sailing right on the path of the cargo ship.

“We tried to maneuver away from the ferry, but it’s too late. They hit us on the side. The ferry went straight to our route,” he said. Veronica Akot, of the Asia Hong Kong ferry, said they are still awaiting formal reports from the ship’s captain Sigundino Ladera.

She said the ship was not damaged by the collision and continued its trip to Tagbilaran City in Bohol province. The ferry was carrying 600 passengers and crew, she said.

The Coast Guard is still investigating the collision. (Ben Balce)