ELEVEN crew members miraculously survived the sinking of a fishing vessel, FV Unity World, off the coast of Lian, Batangas early Wednesday morning.
The vessel, carrying 40,000 liters of automotive diesel oil (ADO), completely submerged around 3:00 a.m. approximately 4 kilometers off Barangay Luyahan.
Despite the perilous situation, all crew members successfully reached the shoreline using floating devices and were subsequently checked by Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) staff, who declared them in good condition. The incident highlights the resilience and preparedness of the crew in the face of a sudden maritime emergency.
The FV Unity World, en route from Navotas Fish Port to Cuyo, Palawan, encountered rough sea conditions near Fortune Island around 2:00 a.m., forcing the captain to order the crew to abandon ship.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responded promptly, but rough seas initially hampered their efforts to reach the sunken vessel.
While the PCG continues to monitor the area for any signs of oil spills, no reports of oil slicks have been received so far. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of maritime operations and the importance of preparedness for unforeseen circumstances.
The PCG’s ongoing coordination with local government units and other agencies ensures a coordinated response and readiness for any potential environmental impact. The focus remains on preventing any oil spill and mitigating any potential environmental damage.
