Search and retrieval ops continue in Mindoro following Liberty 5-Vienna Wood collision -PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday said search and retrieval operations continue in Mindoro a week after fishing vessel Liberty 5 collided with Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship MV Vienna Wood.

PCG's search and retrieval team Mamburao was in the waters off Tayamaan, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, BFP Boracay was in the waters off Binaybay Shoreline, Paluan Bay in Occidental Mindoro.

Two other PCG vessels, Coast Guard Sub-Station in Sablayan and Coast Guard Sub-Station Abra de Ilog, were also to be deployed on Sunday to augment the search and retrieval team.

The Philippine Air Force meanwhile was also set to conduct aerial surveillance.

The Philippine National Police-Maritime Group was also scheduled to conduct seaborne patrol.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said search and retrieval operations will be extended until Tuesday, July 7.

Fourteen people were reported missing after their boat FV Liberty 5 collided with MV Vienna Wood off the coast of Occidental Mindoro at 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. The incident was reported at 1:46 a.m. on Sunday, June 28 by the captain of MV Vienna Wood.

The cargo vessel was on the way to Australia from Subic while the fishing boat, which came from Cagayan de Oro and Tawi-Tawi, was on its way to the Navotas Fish Port when they collided.

PCG Commandant Vice Admiral George Ursabia Jr. said he believes the collision was just an accident.

He however said the crew of MV Vienna Wood may be held liable for not helping the crew of Liberty 5. The cargo vessel was escorted to Batangas by PCG after the incident.

The fishermen on Liberty V have not yet been located. The PCG is looking at the possibility that the 14 missing fishermen could have been trapped under the capsized FV Liberty 5. —KG, GMA News