Vessel loaded with diesel runs aground off Maasin

CEBU, Philippines - A cargo vessel heading to Dinagat Island from the port of Mandaue City, Cebu ran aground last Saturday dawn at the seawaters approximately 100 meters away from the distant shorelines of Tangka-an Point, barangay Tangka-an, Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte.

Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Romero, Chief Master of the Coast Guard Station Maasin, identified the vessel as motor tanker Shirley Ann owned by South Pole Corporation managed by Manuel See of San Jose Road, Zamboanga City.

Romero, in an interview with The Freeman, said that the vessel departed from Petron at Mandaue City, near the Ouano Wharf, at 3:45 p.m. last Friday heading for Del-at, Loreto, Dinagat Island.

The vessel, with 196.28 gross tonnage and 105.48 net tonnage is carrying 280,000 liters of automotive diesel oil when it ran aground at 12:30 a.m., Romero said.

Romero further said that before the vessel’s base hit the seabed, it encountered engine trouble due to defective transmission bearing of the main engine.

The vessel’s master, Captain William Wong, then reportedly ordered the ten crew to drop (starboard) anchor but before they could do so, the vessel was already drifted meters away due to the strong winds and rough seas, and subsequently ran aground at the almost two feet deep seawaters.

Coast Guard Station Maasin responded to the area at 5:45 a.m. after a concerned citizen informed them about the incident.

Romero said that the coast guard then immediately conducted ocular investigation to inspect any seepage or cracks on the vessel but fortunately, there was none.

The unit also called the attention of the Marine Environment Protection Group to conduct surrounding inspection and check if there was oil spill, but luckily, there was none also.

Romero further said that at around 7 a.m. yesterday, See asked the help of Motor Tug Anton, a commercial tug boat from Cebu to drag M/T Shirley Ann to deeper waters.

Romero said that the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)-Tacloban, Leyte then ordered the suspension of the ship to sail last Saturday.

MARINA-Tacloban will then conduct Underwater Hull Inspection on the vessel once it is at the anchorage area. If the vessel on has minor damage that would not endanger it, then the suspension can be lifted. — Niña G. Sumacot/NLQ   (FREEMAN NEWS)