Tanker rams boat; Navy rescues 21 fishermen

MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-one fishermen were rescued by the Philippine Navy after their fishing boat was rammed by a tanker along Manila Bay Tuesday.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that M/T Pulilan tanker loaded with jet fuel accidentally hit the motorboat M/B Lala Boom 4.5 nautical miles off South Harbor, Manila.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Rommel Rodriguez, deputy spokesman of the Philippine Fleet, said the multi-purpose assault craft (MPAC) was patrolling Manila Bay when it spotted the fishing boat in distress situation.

He said the boat’s right outrigger was heavily damaged.

Rodriguez said the tanker skippered by Capt. Edgar Esguerra was supposed to deliver the fuel to the Pandacan oil depot when the accident happened.

One of the fishermen was injured in the incident.

The skipper of the fishing boat reportedly attempted to cross the tanker’s bow - a tradition being practiced by Manila Bay fishermen – to have abundant catch.

The two vessels were towed to the Manila International Container Terminal in North Harbor, Manila. – Jaime Laude, Evelyn Macairan