BACOLOD City – A fisherman was injured after a roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) ship hit his fishing boat off the coast of this city.
Nonito Carlos of Barangay Miranda, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental sustained injuries on the body. He already received treatment.
The incident happened in the evening of Sept. 26, Carlos told authorities.
According to Carlos, he and his brother were fishing in two separate boats off the coast here when he saw two vessels heading towards Bacolod City and another heading for Dumangas, Iloilo.
Carlos said he recognized the Dumangas-bound ship belonging to ferry company TriStar Megalink Corporation.
As the vessel was approaching, Carlos said he immediately signaled the vessel with his light.
However, instead of maneuvering clear of each other, Carlos claimed the vessel continued straight at him until it eventually rammed and crushed his fishing boat.
Carlos said he managed to jump away prior to impact claiming he was nearly sucked in by the vessel’s propeller and he was thrown about in the water hitting him in the remnants of his boat.
The victim was later rescued by his brother who was nearby when the incident occurred and they immediately went back to shore to seek medical attention.
Lieutenant Senior Grade Rockcliff Buling, station commander of the Philippine Coast Guard-Bacolod, said a representative from TriStar has already coordinated with the victim and they are willing to provide financial assistance./PN
