THE Philippine Coast Guard and the PNP Maritime Group are investigating the collision between a passenger banca and a fishing boat along the Pantal river here last April 15 where one person was killed and five others were injured.

A belated police report identified the lone fatality as Orlando Bruan, 45, a businessman, of barangay Canaoaloan, Binmaley.

The passenger banca with an outboard motor was driven by Ronnel Fernandez of barangay Calmay in Dagupan City and the motorized fishing boat was driven by Domingo Requezo of Calmay Norte, also this city.

Investigation showed that the fishing boat accidentally bumped the passenger banca driven by Fernandez while it was cruising westward, damaging the banca’s rear left side and upper cover.

All the injured were treated at a nearby hospital. The drivers of both boats were apprehended by the police.

This was the first ever collision involving two water-borne vehicles along a river in Dagupan City being used for navigation to and from island villages in the city. (PNA)