PCG prepares evidence to file criminal charges; retrieval of missing fishermen ongoing

After five days of investigation, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it is now putting evidence together to file criminal charges against the 20 crewmen of Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier MV Vienna Wood.

The rescue mission for the 14 missing fishermen of the ill-fated FV Liberty 5 shifted to retrieval operations in Mindoro Friday.

“We are now building up pieces of evidence to file criminal charges against MV Vienna Wood. Isasama natin dito yung sworn statements ng mga rumespondeng marino at mangingisda (We will include the sworn statements of responding mariners and fishermen),” Vice Admiral George Ursabia Jr., Coast Guard commandant, said.

“Investigation on the crew of MV Vienna Wood is already completed while our lawyers in Mindoro are getting the sworn statements of the responding mariners and fishermen,” Ursabia said in Pilipino.

Ursabia earlier said that the foreign crew might face reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide but “it’s up to the lawyers to determine what criminal charges to file.”

Initial fact-finding indicated that after colliding into the cutting FV Liberty 5, MV Vienna Wood maneuvered away from the capsized boat so as not to endanger further the ill-fated boat and other fishing vessels in the area.

The Coast Guard later found out that the bulk carrier, despite having the right equipment, failed to launch a boat to rescue the local fishermen and instead relied on the responding fishing vessels in the vicinity.

Ursabia, however, noted that MV Vienna Wood “did not commit hit-and-run.” It only moved away to achieve a safe distance but pointed out that “it did not initiate to launch a rescue boat” to aid the Filipino fishermen, who were bound for Navotas.

Investigation showed that the old FV Liberty 5 “took successive hits” from the collision and “was possibly rammed over” by the foreign vessel.

As of Thursday, the Coast Guard alleged that the ill-fated fishing boat had already sunk about 2,000 meters into the ocean and the fishermen were possibly trapped under the vessel.

Meanwhile, Ursabia said retrieval operations will continue in the next couple of days but they remain hopeful that the fishermen are still alive.