The Filipino fishing boat ‘F/B Gem-Vir I’ was hit by a Chinese vessel because the Filipino fishermen failed to maintain a proper lookout, said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) following investigation of the incident that occurred on 9 June, off the West Philippine Sea, Recto Bank.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. revealed this information on Wednesday, during an interview with the ANC.
Citing the Coast Guard investigation report, he said almost everyone on the Filipino boat was sleeping at the time of the incident and only the cook was on deck, who suddenly saw a boat coming closer. He got a small light to warn the vessel to stop.
Whether or not that light should have been sufficient to warn the oncoming Chinese vessel, I don’t know. Let the guys who are the experts on maritime (make a conclusion),
…he was quoted as saying by Manila Bulletin.
Locsin explained that it was for this reason he used the term “allision” in describing the incident after reading the report.
Shortly after the incident, the Junel Insigne, the captain of the F/B Gem-Vir 1, appealed to authorities to help prevent a repeat of the allision at the Recto Bank.
