What Crew Members Say About Vienna-Wood-N

The Mamburao Regional Trial Court in Occidental Mindoro has officially cleared the bulk carrier 'Vienna Wood N' to leave Philippine waters following the dismissal of legal charges connected to its collision with the fishing vessel 'Liberty V'. The Philippine Coast Guard disclosed that discussions between the vessel's owner and the relatives of the victims led to a mutually agreed settlement. As a result, the local court dismissed the reckless imprudence charges, which had included allegations of multiple homicide and damage to property filed by the victims' families. In light of this legal development, the District Commander of the Coast Guard Southern Visayas confirmed that 'Vienna Wood N' has set sail towards Shanghai, with an expected time of arrival on October 1.

On August 24, 2023, a pivotal settlement was finalized between the MV Vienna Wood and the families of 14 missing Filipino fishermen, who vanished following a tragic collision with their fishing vessel on June 27 off the coast of Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. The resolution emerged after extensive discussions aimed at settling the civil lawsuit tied to this incident. Legal representatives from both sides reached an agreement, which was officially communicated to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) chief Admiral George Ursabia and other officials who served as witnesses from the governmental side. The owner of the MV Vienna Wood, Nomikos Transworld Maritime, has reportedly increased its compensation offer to the families affected by the incident, including those linked to the Irma Fishing and Trading Corporation, the proprietor of the fishing boat 'Liberty 5.' Initially, it was anticipated that the families of the 14 missing fishermen and the two additional passengers would each receive P1 million in compensation. Meanwhile, the Irma Fishing and Trading Corporation was projected to receive P40 million for the loss of their fishing vessel. Although the precise settlement amount remains undisclosed, representatives from both legal teams indicated that the figure has been deemed highly acceptable to the victims' families. The Philippine Coast Guard continues to pursue the criminal case associated with the MV Vienna Wood, adhering to the court's final decision as the process unfolds. Criminal charges have been filed against the shipping company, alongside the vessel's master and crew members. In order to ensure accountability, a hold departure order has been enacted against the crew, keeping the bulk carrier under the jurisdiction of the Philippines.

On August 20, the Philippine Coast Guard's Commandant, Admiral George Ursabia, revealed that the families of 14 Filipinos aboard the f/v 'Liberty 5', who vanished after a collision in June, are set to receive financial compensation. This follows the maritime accident involving the 'Vienna Wood', which occurred in the waters near Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. A formal settlement meeting is planned among stakeholders from both vessels to address the damages caused by this incident. Admiral Ursabia confirmed that the families of the 12 missing fishermen, along with two additional passengers from the 'Liberty 5', will each receive P1 million in compensation. Meanwhile, the 'Vienna Wood' remains anchored in Batangas as discussions progress.