Tugboat capsizes, crew safe

CEBU, Philippines - A tugboat owned by the Phil Marines Services Inc. capsized just off the Muelle Osmeña wharf in Barangay Poblacion, Lapu-Lapu City around 10:30 a.m. yesterday.

Motor tugboat PSC-Matatag was with two other tugboats conducting tugging operations of the M/V Princess of Earth yesterday morning.Coast guard Cebu commander Rodolfo Punzalan said that the accident was not due to bad weather but the said tugboat capsized after an accident involving their towing hawser.

The eight crew who were onboard the said tugboat including minor patron Miguel Noriecho who maneuvered the said tugboat were rescued by another tugboat, the PSC-Matibay, also owned by the Phil Marines Services Inc.

Punzalan said that the company owner was ordered to file a marine protest within 24 hours to narrate the circumstances why the said tugboat capsized.   - THE FREEMAN