Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, has ordered an investigation regarding the collision between a passenger vessel and a barge two nautical miles southeast of Barangay San Agapito, Isla Verde, Batangas, around 1:45AM today, 03 April 2024.

Barge Krizza Rica, towed by Motor Tug Migi with 17 crew on board, was loaded with 300 sacks of cement when the accident occurred. It departed Calaca, Balayan, Batangas, bound for Semirara Island, Caluya, Antique.

Meanwhile, MV Fastcat M19, with 47 crew and 41 passengers on board, departed Batangas Port (Batangas) going to Calapan Port (Oriental Mindoro).

Due to the collision, MV Fastcat M19 incurred a damage on the third deck passenger deck starboard quarter (right rear corner), while Barge Krizza Rica acquired scratches on its port bow (front left side).

According to PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, one of MV Fastcat M19’s passenger, a 26-year-old male resident of Santa Fe, Romblon, incurred lacerations in the upper right eye and upper right lip with minor bruises.

The Vessel Traffic Management System in Batangas reported the incident to the PCG. The Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Calapan contacted the vessels and advised the barge to anchor at Calapan Anchorage Area for further investigation.

CG Rear Admiral Balilo said at around 3AM today, 03 April 2024, MV Fastcat M19 safely docked at Calapan Port where all the passengers were safely disembarked.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) in Calapan transported the injured passenger to Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital for further medical assistance.

The PCG Station Oriental Mindoro, CGSS Calapan, and Maritime Safety Services Unit-Southern Tagalog conducted an initial inquiry and inspected the damages incurred by the concerned vessels.

They also performed an initial oil spill assessment and yielded a negative result.

[Progress report to follow]