BOHOL, PHILIPPINES – MAY 2, 2025 Two fishermen lost their lives following a tragic boat collision near the Philippine island of Malingin. The men headed out to sea in a small motorized boat during the early morning hours when their vessel was struck by a much larger boat equipped with three engines. After the collision, the other vessel immediately left the scene, leaving the injured fishermen behind.
One of the fishermen was transported to a hospital after the accident, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The second was initially reported missing before his body was discovered by rescue teams during a search operation. Both victims were from Malingin Island in Bohol Province.
Shortly after the incident, reports began circulating that members of the Bantay Dagat coastal patrol may have been involved in the collision while allegedly carrying out operations against illegal fishing. Police initially stated that no official police or coast guard operation was taking place at the time of the accident and launched a large-scale investigation.
