Collision off Sarangani leaves two dead, six rescued

Six people were rescued, and two bodies were recovered after a collision between a Philippine tugboat and a Panamanian vessel off Sarangani province on Tuesday morning. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed the incident and reported that the tugboat, M/TUG Sadong 33, had eight crew members onboard. The PCG quickly launched a search and rescue operation in the Maasim area, sending four boats with divers and response teams. While six crew members survived, the bodies of the captain and an oiler were sadly recovered. Medical personnel examined the survivors and confirmed they were in good health. The PCG also checked for any oil spills in the area but found none. Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, the PCG Commandant, ordered the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao to work with a salvage company to recover the tugboat. He also instructed legal officers to pursue charges against the captain and crew of the other vessel involved, MV Universe Kiza.