Sunken tugboat endangers Pasig River vessels - PCG

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday said that they have advised vessels traveling along the Pasig River to exercise caution when they reach Sta. Mesa in Manila to avoid hitting the tugboat that sank Wednesday morning.

PCG spokesman Lieutenant Commander Arman Balilo said they might accidentally hit the 33.11 gross ton tugboat Nicole Faye, which remains submerged in the murky river.

The PCG also posted personnel and placed floating markers around the site, which is approximately 100 yards off Simen Rogelio, to ensure that it would not lead to further maritime incidents.

They have also advised Gold Mark Sea Carriers Inc., the owner of Nicole Faye, to post a 24-hour watch to help warn passing ships. The company was also urged to file a marine protest detailing the events that led to the incident.

Lourdes Andres, owners’ representative of the ill-fated tugboat, said they have already coordinated with Gaspar Salvage Corp. for the emergency removal of the sunken tugboat.

Initial investigation reaching the PCG headquarters showed that the vessel, skippered by Captain Rogelio Gemino, sank at around 1:10 a.m. on Dec. 2.

It appeared that the tugboat was towing the 488.75 gross ton Motor Tanker (M/T) Palo Alto, when they allegedly encountered strong river currents that made it difficult for the tugboat to maneuver. The tanker is owned and operated by Oiliners Inc.

Gemino was reportedly trying to go against the flow of the water, and the tanker created an opposing force that caused the Nicole Faye to list to the left or starboard side and eventually cause it to capsize.

All the officers and crew of the Nicole Faye managed to transfer safely to the Palo Alto.

Since the tugboat was loaded with 400 liters of fuel oil and 20 liters of lube oil sealed in her tanks, Balilo said they dispatched a Marine Environment Protection Unit that later reported there were no traces of an oil slick.