The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rescued six crew and recovered the cadavers of two victims after the collision of a Philippine flagged-tugboat and Panamanian-flagged vessel in the vicinity waters of Maasim, Sarangani Province, at around 4:20AM today, 25 March 2025.

The PCG deployed four floating assets carrying rescue divers and response teams to conduct a search and rescue (SAR) operation.

The distressed tugboat, M/TUG Sadong 33, had eight crew on board when the incident occurred. Six of them survived the collision, but the SAR team reported the recovery of two cadavers – the tugboat’s captain and oiler.

Coast Guard medical personnel provided health checkups to the survivors and confirmed that they are all in good physical condition.

The initial oil spill assessment of Coast Guard marine environmental protection personnel yielded a negative result. However, oil spill booms have already been laid out to ensure the protection of the marine environment and safety of nearby coastal communities.

PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan PCG, directed the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao (CGDSM) to coordinate with Harbor Star Salvage Company for the salvage of M/Tug Sadong 33 and the immediate conduct of a Maritime Casualty Investigation (MCI).

Admiral Gavan also instructed Coast Guard legal officers to handle the filing of appropriate charges against the master and crew of MV Universe Kiza.

During inquiry with the survivors, they shared that M/TUG Sadong 33 was towing LCT Sea Asia from Glan, Saranggani Province, enroute to Iligan City, using approximately 50 to 100-meter towing rope.

While underway, MV Universe Kiza passed between them, which damaged the towing rope and led to the capsizing of M/Tug Sadong 33.

As of 3PM, LCT Sea Asia remained in the vicinity waters of Maasim, while MV Universe Kiza continued its voyage to General Santos City. It will drop its anchor at the General Santos City Anchorage Area to cooperate with the MCI.

“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 country’s maritime jurisdiction,” Admiral Gavan expressed.