The joint investigation of Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) revealed that the Chinese vessel which rammed a Filipino fishing boat in the West Philippine Sea failed to initiate measures to avoid the incident.
Rappler and Inquirer.net obtained a copy of the joint report that was already submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte on June 20.
The report says that based on the Rule 18 of the Collision Regulations or Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Colreg), approaching vessels should avoid vessels not under command, or those who have restricted ability to maneuver.
The joint investigation also noted that Chinese fishermen failed to help 22 fishermen at sea.
“The Chinese vessel failed to take appropriate action to avoid the risk of collision and to render assistance to a vessel in distress,” the report said.
It was not clear, however, if the incident was intentional or not.
The incident was described as a “very serious maritime casualty.”
Filipino fishermen, however, had their shortcomings in the incident according to the report.
It said that F/B Gem-ver did not maintain a proper look-out. The boat also employed unlicensed chief engine officer, carrying persons more than the authorized capacity.
The boat also has an expired BFARB commercial fishing vessel and a certificate of clearance.
The findings also clarified that it did not aim to find the liability, it also encouraged the Chinese Coast Guard to conduct its own investigation.
