A FISHERMAN was injured after a roll-on/roll-off vessel rammed his fishing boat off the coast of Bacolod City on September 26.
Authorities identified the victim as Nonito Carlos, a resident of Barangay Miranda, Pontevedra.
Based on a statement given by Carlos to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Bacolod City, Carlos and his brother were fishing in two separate boats off the coast of Bacolod City.
As he was working his fishing lines, he saw two vessels approaching towards Bacolod City and another vessel heading for Dumangas, Iloilo.
Carlos said he recognized the Dumangas-bound vessel belonging to ferry company TriStar Megalink Corporation. As the vessel was approaching, Carlos 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 the impact, claiming he was nearly sucked in by the vessel's propeller and was thrown 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.
PCG-Bacolod station commander, Lieutenant Senior Grade Rockcliff Buling, said a representative from TriStar has already coordinated with the victim and they are willing to provide financial assistance.
Buling said Carlos and the ferry company have also come into an agreement, and the company was sincere in helping out the victim.