Coast Guard sues cargo ship crew for fatal sea mishap

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Southern Visayas led by Captain Eduardo De Luna filed a criminal case for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property against the crew members of Philippine-registered landing craft LCT Golden Lotus.

The case was filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Escalante City, Negros Occidental last Tuesday.

Based on PCG’s Facebook post, the charges were filed against Ship Captain Vincent Book, Chief Mate Arnel Martinez, Helmsman Celestino Nuñez Jr, and Lookout Marlon Dangan of LCT Golden Lotus.

The case is the result of the investigation by the PCG Sub-Station in Escalante and the PCG District Southern Visayas on the death of 29-year-old fisherman Je-Ar Caspe on Sept 8, 2020.

“These persons were identified to be allegedly involved in a maritime accident early this month that led to the death of 29-year old fisherman, Je-Ar Caspe,” according to the PCG.

On Sept 8, Caspe and his father went fishing on board separate boats when the cargo vessel allegedly rammed into the victim’s boat in the waters between Molacaboc Island in Sagay City and Pamaaun Reef in Escalante.

Caspe suffered a fractured right arm and his right leg was severed due to the strong impact of the collision.

His boat was also damaged, based on the statement of his father who witnessed the incident.

In an earlier interview, Caspe’s father asked for justice for his son’s death.

The management of the cargo vessel has not issued a statement as of press time.