PCG to retrieve FB Dearyn for investigation

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday said it will conduct an operation to retrieve the ill-fated FB Dearyn for the investigation of the fatal ramming incident involving a foreign vessel off the waters of Agno, Pangasinan.

Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo told reporters in a message that the family of the owner of the boat wants to restore the vessel and use it again.

“[We[ will be sending two multi-role response vessels for towing operations. Para sa investigation. Request din ng family nung boat owner baka puwedeng pang magamit uli,” Balilo said.

(Will be sending two multi-role response vessels for towing operations ... for the investigation. It was also the request of the family of the boat owner if they may use it again.)

Balilo expressed hope that the Singaporean Port State Control will conduct an inspection on the involved foreign vessel MV Pacific Anna.

“We are hoping that the Singaporean PSC Authority would exercise their overriding priority to conduct inspection on MV Pacific Anna even though the said vessel is not yet due for inspection,” he said.

“The inspection should be targeted in the vessels compliance with the regulations of the [International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea] Chapter V (safety of navigation).

According to Balilo, the result of the possible inspection could be used in PCG’s investigation.

He added that the PCG also requested for the Marshall Islands Flag State to conduct its own investigation into the incident.

“We expect with this formal request the Flag State of Marshall Islands will conduct a safety investigation in compliance with the [International Maritime Organization’s] Casualty Investigation Code Chapter 6 that the state of ship involved in a very serious maritime casualty is responsible for ensuring that a marine safety investigation be conducted and completed,” he said.

The result of the requested investigation can be used in pursuit for claims and damages for the boat owner, victims and survivors of FB Dearyn, according to Balilo.

Three Filipino fishermen were killed when their fishing boat was rammed by Pacific Anna, a crude oil tanker registered under the flag of the Marshall Islands, while transiting the waters off Agno, Pangasinan.

The PCG said one crew member of FFB Dearyn shared that the incident happened before dawn on Monday, October 2.

The boat submerged, resulting in the death of its 47-year-old captain and two crew members aged 38 and 62, the PCG said. All the fatalities were residents of Zambales province. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News