The Philippine Coast Guard has provided details regarding an unfortunate incident involving a small passenger ferry and a fast water taxi on January 31. Regrettably, both the captain and third mate of the ferry lost their lives during the collision. The smaller vessel was en route to Batangas, located in the western region of the Philippines south of Manila, when it collided with an outbound passenger vessel.
The fast water taxi, identified as Ocean Jet 6, was carrying a total of 105 passengers and 19 crew members. It had departed from Batangas with a destination set for Calapan on the neighboring island of Mindoro. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the passengers and crew aboard the vessel, which was subsequently allowed to proceed to Calapan.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. Initial reports indicate that the smaller ferry sustained significant damage, particularly to its front section, and became immobilized following the collision. Despite the damage, it remained afloat and was being towed to Puerto Galera. Visual evidence from the scene suggests the presence of gray, possibly misty or foggy weather conditions, accompanied by a low chop on the seas.
At the time of the collision, the Hop & Go 1 ferry, en route to Puerto Galera on Mindoro as well, had five foreign passengers on board. Two Chinese passengers sustained injuries and were receiving medical attention, while the other two passengers were unharmed. A Swedish passenger, who was reportedly heading home, was also on board.
The ferry had a total of four crew members, tragically resulting in the loss of both the captain and third mate during the collision. The remaining Filipino crew members have been cooperative with authorities, providing sworn statements at the Coast Guard station as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.