The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responds to a COLLISION involving MV ST. JHUDIEL and LCT POSEIDON 23 in the vicinity waters off Barangay Looc, Mandaue City, Cebu, yesterday, 21 May 2023.

MV ST. JHUDIEL departed Ormoc City, Leyte, with 197 PASSENGERS, bound for Cebu City.

While underway, it experienced STEERING CASUALTY AND ENGINE FAILURE, causing it to collide with LCT POSEIDON 23, which was on its way to Ormoc City from Mandaue City.

As per MV ST. JHUDIEL's master, 25 PASSENGERS SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES.

The PCG immediately deployed a floating asset, a land vehicle, and an ambulance to provide necessary assistance.

Coast Guard Special Operations Group - Central Visayas also augmented the search and rescue operations.

LCT POSEIDON 23 carried 17 rolling cargoes and 20 drivers/cargo helpers when the collision occurred. It returned to its port of origin (Ouano Wharf, Mandaue City) to assess the damages incurred due to the accident.

Moreover, the Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection Force - Central Visayas was also dispatched to conduct an oil spill assessment.

The Coast Guard Station Central Cebu also advised the vessels' masters to file marine protests.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard District Central Visayas directed the Maritime Safety Services Unit to conduct a marine casualty investigation.