CHECK. A personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducts inspection on the distressed Chinese vessel docked at the Tacloban port on Jan. 27, 2023. The PCG station here has assured continuing help to the seven crew members of the distressed Chinese vessel. (PCG photo)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station has assured continuing help to the seven crew members of the distressed Chinese vessel now docked at the city port here.
PCG Eastern Leyte – Tacloban Station chief Lt. Commander Ramil Montemar said they will continue to provide food and other basic needs to the crew members while their vessel is docked at the city port.
“It is our mandate to render assistance to anyone in distress regardless of their nationality to promote goodwill and good rapport to our neighboring countries,” Montemar said.
The seven are crew of the Chinese vessel FV KAI DA 899 rescued by the PCG in the vicinity of Eastern Samar after they made a distress call.
The vessel was then towed to Tacloban City port by PCG vessel, BRP Cabra.
Montemar said according to the crew, the vessel had been floating for about five days before they were rescued.
The vessel was docked four miles off Tacloban port as ordered by the Philippine Ports Authority and the city government.
On Jan. 27, PCG personnel inspected the vessel for three hours to check if it was carrying any contraband.
Authorities did not find any contraband and did not have any fishing gear. They only saw fuel tanks with diesel on the vessel.
The group also gave the crew some drinking water and bread, which calm the behavior of the Chinese crew toward the PCG personnel, Montemar said.
“At first, they were hesitant to talk to us until we showed that we are willing to assist,” he added.
Joining the PCG during the inspection were representatives from the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Immigration.
While the vessel is in the vicinity of Tacloban seawaters, the PCG will regularly conduct patrol to ensure the safety of the vessel and its crew. (PNA)
