Sunken tugboat to be refloated once weather improves

MANILA, Philippines — As soon as weather conditions improve, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will move to refloat a motor tugboat that sank in the waters off Botolan, Zambales.

“A PCG team will conduct an underwater inspection on the M/TUG SL Sual I once the weather improves. The inspection will be followed by the refloating and siphoning of diesel from the fuel tank,” PCG spokesperson Cmdre. Noemie Cayabyab said yesterday.

The PCG is reportedly considering using floaters to help salvage the vessel, which was initially reported to have sunk 24 meters down in the sea.

A third-party underwater diving team has reportedly been tapped for the salvage operation.

The Sual 1 was reportedly carrying 15,000 liters of diesel at the time of the accident.

Cayabyab said that members of the PCG along with personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are conducting water sampling to determine if an oil leak has occurred around the area where the boat capsized.

Reports said the Sual I first ran aground and was being towed away when it listed and sank, prompting its crewmembers to jump into the water.