Vessel runs aground off Zambales

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-two crewmembers of a landing craft tank (LCT) were rescued after the vessel ran aground in the waters off Zambales on Saturday.

As of yesterday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it had yet to rescue boat captain Alan Boyboy and chief officer Felix Gepillano Jr., who decided to stay on board the distressed LCT Aviva 80.

The PCG-Zambales Station said the Aviva 80 encountered strong winds and big waves, causing it to be washed ashore in Barangay Bani, Masinloc.

Responding personnel of the PCG and the police rescued and transferred the 22 crewmembers to a life raft.

The crewmembers were taken to the Rural Health Unit of Masinloc, where they underwent medical assessment before they were turned over to the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office.

Personnel of the PCG’s marine environmental protection group inspected the scene of the incident.

They said they found no oil spill in the area.