MSC Regulus Collides with Ecuadorian Fishing Boat - 5 Dead
Five people died and six have been reported missing following a collision between MSC Regulus, a box ship operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and the Ecuadorian fishing vessel Don Gerardo II on the border between Ecuador and Peru on December 17, 2016.
The victims were all crew members of the fishing vessel. According to reports the two vessels collided just after 5 a.m. Saturday approximately 216 nautical miles southwest of Puntilla de Santa Elena, Ecuador.
"At the time of the collision, MSC immediately alerted the relevant authorities in both Ecuador and Peru; simultaneously, the crew members and senior command immediately initiated search and rescue procedures, with the wounded being brought on board the ship and treated," says a press statement from MSC.
According to the Peruvian Navy, Marina de Guerra del Perú (MGP), the fishing boat capsized and sank, killing at least five people and injuring a dozen more.
MGP said it has opened an investigation into the cause of the collision in coordination with Panamanian authorities, and MSC said it would cooperate fully with any inquiries.
"An investigation is currently underway, which is being conducted by the relevant authorities with the full cooperation of MSC. Our first priority is to understand the circumstances which led to this tragic incident," says the statement from MSC.
"As a family-run company, MSC is deeply shocked and saddened by the deaths and injuries that have occurred in connection with this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the fishermen’s families and their loved ones," it added.
