UNITS from the Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces Central (NFC) came to the rescue of passengers of a fast craft that collided with a cargo vessel after suffering a “steering casualty” while transiting along Mactan Channel on Sunday afternoon.
SuperCat commercial vessel St. M/V Jhudiel collided with LCT Poseidon 23 at around 2:53 p.m. near the First Cebu-Mactan (Osmeña Jr.) Bridge.
NFC acting assistant public affairs office chief Lt. Jr. Grade Abigail Jean Laturnas, in a statement yesterday, said they were involved after Naval Task Force 50 deployed BRP Enrique Jurado and the 5th Patrol Boat Division to provide rescue and assistance.
“The immediate response of PC-371, together with the 5th PB (Patrol Boat) Division to the said distressed vessels, resulted in the safe transfer of 28 passengers to Captain Veloso Pier, NBRR (Naval Base Rafael Ramos) Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, wherein they received first aid treatment from personnel of BRP Batak (LC-299),” she said.
Medical personnel from Naval Base Rafael Ramos then took the rescued passengers to their medical dispensary for further treatment and check-up.
Laturnas said six of the passengers were later transferred to Mactan Doctors Hospital while the other 22 passengers were escorted to Pier 1 in Cebu City.
“Likewise, PC-371, together with a civilian tugboat T/B Fortis, escorted Supercat St. Jhudiel, carrying the remaining 169 passengers and 13 crew members enroute to Pier 1, Cebu City,” Laturnas said.
Investigation conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said M/V St. Jhudiel departed Ormoc City, Leyte with 197 passengers bound for Cebu City.
While underway, the ship 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.
LCT Poseidon 23 was carrying 17 rolling cargoes and 20 drivers/cargo helpers at the time of the mishap. It immediately returned to its port of origin, Ouano Wharf in Mandaue City.
“As per M/V St. Jhudiel’s master, 25 passengers suffered minor injuries,” the PCG added.
The PCG immediately deployed a floating asset, a land vehicle, and an ambulance to provide necessary assistance. (PNA)
