The Sadong 33 was towing the 59-meter landing craft LCT Sea Asia (IMO: 8843551) from Glan, Sarangani to Iligan City when its towline was caught by the 169-meter, 28,388-ton bulk carrier Universe Kaisa (IMO: 9283849). The bulk carrier passed too close to the towline, causing it to snap and the Sadong 33 to suddenly capsize.
Six of the eight crew members were later rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard. The captain of the Sadong 33 and another crew member died. Authorities say the captain's body was later recovered. There were no reports of injuries or damage to the Universe Kaisa or LCT Sea Asia.
Authorities have installed booms around the capsized Sadong 33 to contain pollutant emissions. Reports say there was somewhere between 50 and 100 meters of tow rope between the Sadong 33 and the LCT Sea Asia at the time of the incident. The Philippine Coast Guard said the captain and crew of the Universe Kiza could face charges
