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Tugboat Overturned Following Collision with Bulk Carrier Towline Near Philippine Coast, Resulting in Two Fatalities
Tragic Tugboat Incident in Sarangani: A Closer Look
On March 25, 2025, a heartbreaking maritime accident unfolded near Maasim in Sarangani Province. A Panamanian-registered bulk carrier collided with the towline of a tugboat, leading to the capsizing of the vessel and resulting in the loss of two crew members.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) quickly sprang into action, successfully rescuing six individuals from the water while later recovering the bodies of both the tug’s captain and an oiler.The incident took place around 4:20 AM when M/TUG sadong 33 was towing LCT Sea Asia from Glan to iligan City.
Reports indicate that Universe Kiza—also known as Universe Kaisa—was attempting to navigate between the tugboat and its barge when it struck the towline, causing a catastrophic overturn.This bulk carrier is owned by a Chinese firm and has been flagged under Panama.
In response to this tragedy, PCG deployed four vessels equipped with divers and emergency teams. Fortunately, those rescued were reported to be in stable condition after medical assessments. However, search efforts later confirmed that two crew members had tragically lost their lives.
The Universe Kiza is no stranger to controversy; built in 2004 with a deadweight tonnage of 28,388 tons, it was transporting concrete from Vietnam at the time of this incident. Following its arrival at General Santos City on March 26 for further inquiry purposes, authorities have detained it for scrutiny regarding safety protocols.
Legal actions are underway against both the ship’s master and crew as directed by PCG’s legal team. Meanwhile, oil booms have been strategically placed around where M/TUG Sadong 33 capsized as a precautionary measure against potential pollution—though thankfully no oil spill has been reported thus far.To aid recovery efforts for the sunken tugboat, Harbor Star has been appointed as salvage experts by local authorities who are committed
