At 4:20AM today, 25 March 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) received a report regarding a Philippine flagged-tugboat and Panamanian-flagged vessel that collided in the vicinity waters of Maasim, Sarangani Province.
Immediately, the PCG in the area deployed four floating assets to conduct a search and rescue (SAR) operation. Six of them survived the collision, but the SAR team reported the recovery of two cadavers β the tugboatβs captain and oiler.
The Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao (CGDSM) was given the directive to coordinate with Harbor Star Salvage Company for the salvage of M/Tug Sadong 33 and the immediate conduct of Maritime Casualty Investigation.
As of 3PM, LCT Sea Asia remained in the vicinity waters of Maasim, while MV Universe Kiza will drop its anchor at the General Santos City Anchorage Area to cooperate with the investigation.
Further, our legal officers were instructed to handle the filing of appropriate charges against the master and crew of MV Universe Kiza.
We express our sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Rest assured that your Coast Guard will do its best to investigate and resolve the case. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring maritime safety, safeguarding lives, and protecting the rich marine environment within the countryβs maritime jurisdiction.
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