Filipino Fishermen Killed in South China Sea Collision with Merchant Ship

The Philippine Coast Guard has launched an investigation after three Filipino fishermen were killed in a collision with a commercial ship in the South China Sea.

The incident took place approximately 180 miles from Agno, Pangasina, located in the northwest Philippines.

The victims included the captain and two crew members of the Filipino Fishing Vessel (FFV) Dearyn. Eleven other survived the collision. They reported that it occurred at approximately 4:20 a.m. on Monday morning in adverse weather and darkness. The incident happened while their vessel was moored at their “payao”, which is a bamboo raft anchored in deep waters with palm fronds suspended underneath to attract schools of fish.

The surviving fishermen was able to recover the victims using small boats.

The Philippine Coast Guard said it was trying to determine which ships were in the area around the time of the incident.

“The PCG is committed to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation into this tragic incident,” the Coast Guard said in a statement. “The PCG extends our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.”

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