The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is reportedly conducting an extensive search and rescue operation along with one of the main shipping lanes in the waters of the Sulu Sea after a bulk carrier rammed and sank a fishing vessel.

According to the PCG, the collision occurred late Saturday afternoon, May 28, and 13 fishermen were rescued after the crash, while seven others were missing.

According to the data, the Marshall Islands-registered bulk carrier Happy Hiro, with a deadweight of 32,600 tons, left China for Australia on May 20th. At about 5:40 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 28th, the bulk carrier Happy Hiro was sailing along a major route west of the Philippine island chain when it collided with the fishing vessel FB JOT-18, with 20 fishers on board, in the south of Maracanao Island. The 580-foot bulk carrier remains in the area to assist in rescue operations and has been detained in the Philippines for further investigation.

A fishing boat passing through the accident area rescued the 13 crew members in distress from the boat and transferred them to the bulk carrier for first aid. One of the fishermen suffered a head injury, while the others suffered minor cuts and bruises. Upon arrival, the PCG transferred the rescued crew members from the fishing vessel to shore for treatment at a hospital.

Happy Hiro is the bulk carrier with the IMO number 9303390 and a deadweight ton of 32,600 tons. It was built in 2006 under the flag of the Marshall Islands and managed by the company TAYLOR MARITIME HK LTD, HK.