The Philippine Coast Guard has outlined a case against senior officers on an AM Nomikos bulk carrier to public prosecutors over their response to a collision with a fishing vessel which claimed 14 lives.
The collision between the 55,800-dwt Vienna Wood N (built 2011)and the Liberty 5 happened in the evening of the 27 June.
There is no suggestion that the incident was a case of “hit and run” but the Philippine Coast Guard has been investigating whether the bulk carrier carried out its responsibility, under international conventions, to search and rescue operations following the incident.
According to local press reports station commander Lieutenant Valerie Lagua has outlined a case of "reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property" against the ship’s crew to the Provincial Prosecutor's Office.
Four Chinese senior officers, including the ship’s master, have been named in the Philippine Coast Guard’s papers.
AM Nomikos and the ship’s crew have been fully cooperating with the investigation.
AM Nomikos told TradeWinds: "We understand from local media reports that charges will be filed against the master and officers of Vienna Wood N and AM Nomikos by the owners of the other vessel, although we have not as yet received official confirmation of this.
"The owners, managers and crew are continuing to co-operate fully with the investigation still being conducted by the Philippine authorities. The vessel remains at Batangas Bay, having taken part in last week’s search and rescue operation. Our thoughts are with the missing crew members of the other vessel and their families at this difficult time."
In an earlier statement AM Nomikos said that the Vienna Wood N had informed the Maritime Coordination Rescue Centre following the incident and contributed to the search and rescue operation.
AM Nomikos said: “The crew inspected the damage sustained in order to ascertain if it compromised Vienna Wood N’s own safety and stability and then returned to the location of the collision to search for survivors.”
The vessel remained on the scene until the Philippine Coast Guard arrived.
The Vienna Wood N is currently anchored at Bantangas Bay in the Philippines. The vessel was sailing between Subic Bay and Australia when the collision happened.
The search is continuing for the missing crew is continuing although Philippine Coast Guard said there is very little hope of finding any survivors from the accident.
The Vienna Wood N’s protection and indemnity cover is with the UK P&I Club.
AM Nomikos’ representatives have been contacted for comment.
