PCG: 1 injured as passenger vessel, barge collide in Isla Verde

One person was injured after a passenger vessel and a barge collided off Isla Verde, Batangas on Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said that a 26-year-old passenger on the MV Fastcat M19 sustained lacerations in the upper right eye and upper right lip with minor bruises.

According to the PCG, the passenger vessel collided with the barge two nautical miles southeast of Barangay San Agapito at around 1:45 a.m.

The collision resulted in damage to the passenger deck, while scratches were seen on the port bow of the barge.

MV Fastcat M19 came from Batangas Port heading to Calapan Port, Oriental Mindoro. It was carrying 47 crew members and 41 passengers.

Meanwhile, Barge Krizza Rica departed from Balayan, Batangas going to Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique. It was loaded with 300 sacks of cement and towed by Motor Tug Migi with 17 crew on board.

PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered an investigation into the collision.

“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,” the PCG said. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News