The 20 crew members of the MV Vienna Wood, the Hong Kong-flagged carrier which sank Filipino fishing boat FV Liberty 5, were ordered to stay in the Philippines as 7 of them faced criminal charges.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) made the announcement on Wednesday, July 15, saying that the order was issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 44 in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.

Who are facing complaints? The ship’s captain, Zhang Wei Wei, and 6 other officers were facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property.

The PCG said they only asked the court to hold the 7 in the Philippines.

It was the Filipino fishing boat’s company, Irma Fishing and Trading Incorporated, which asked the court to prevent the departure of the whole crew.

Why does this matter? The hold departure order is a measure to prevent the crew members from leaving the country and evade criminal charges.

According to PCG, the MV Vienna Wood lingered near the sinking FV Liberty 5 after the collision, but failed to rescue them despite having the capability to do so. – Rappler.com