2 Chinese ships could be involved in allision with boat in Zambales

WRECKAGE. The wreckage of FBCA John Robert, the fishing boat of brothers Robert and Jose Mondoñedo, during a search and retrieval operation of the Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday (July 11, 2024). The PCG said two China-flagged bulk carriers are suspects in the allision. (File Photo: Philippine Coast Guard/Facebook)

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said two China-flagged vessels are suspected to be involved in an allision with a Filipino fishing boat in Subic, Zambales on July 3, resulting in the sinking of the fishing boat and one of the two fishers still missing.

In a message to reporters on Thursday, PCG spokesperson Armando Balilo said the two suspected vessels are bulk carriers, Yong Fa Men and Mei Lan Hu, and are currently in waters off Adang Bay, Indonesia.

The PCG has contacted the Indonesian Port State Control and shared the coordinates of the two suspect vessels in allision with FBCA John Robert at waters 62 nautical miles southeast off Sampaloc Point.

“We have informed the Chinese Embassy in Manila regarding the incident. We will also write to the China Maritime Safety Agency for their cooperation in the ongoing investigation,” Balilo said.

On July 1, brothers Robert and Jose Mondoñedo boarded their fishing boat and departed Barangay Wawandaue, Subic toward their payao in Sampaloc Point to fish.

Robert survived by holding on to their payao for three days until another fishing boat, FBCA Irish Mae, passed by and rescued him on July 6.

Jose remains missing, with the PCG currently conducting a search and rescue operation in the area.

PCG Station Zambales has also issued a notice to mariners and coordinated with neighboring barangays and local fisherfolk for sightings of the missing fisherman.