Indonesian barge runs aground, damages coral reefs

CALAPAN CITY, Philippines  – An Indonesian barge ran aground in a coastal village in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan early last Tuesday and damaged coral reefs in the area, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said yesterday.

The Manila-bound barge, said to be carrying 8,000 tons of charcoal, together with an attached boat, got stuck in the waters off Barangay Bancao-Bancao. Authorities said though none of the charcoal was thrown into the sea.

Personnel of the PCG and Philippine Navy rescued the 15 Indonesian crewmembers of the two vessels and also informed the barge owner about the incident.

The PCG said it would inspect the barge, which remained in the area as of press time.

The Palawan provincial environment and natural office, for its part, said it would survey the extent of the damage on the coral reefs.