MANILA, Philippines — After three days of being stuck in the shallow waters off Davao Oriental, a cargo vessel was removed from its position yesterday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The M/V GY Bella Trix ran aground off Barangay Lavigan in Governor Generoso town shortly after midnight on May 3.
On the same day, a tugboat developed engine trouble and ran aground in the waters off Calatagan in Batangas, the PCG said.
The M/T JCPI Sofia was sailing near Maricaban Island when the post of its rudder got damaged at around 6 a.m.
The Bella Trix, owned by GY Shipping Lines Inc., was able to move from its position at past 3 a.m. with the help of personnel of the PCG-District Southeastern Mindanao.
By 5:45 a.m., the vessel had sailed away from the area and dropped anchor as soon as it reached the deeper part of the sea.
An assessment conducted by the PCG near the scene of the maritime incident showed no oil spill from the vessel.
As a precautionary measure, however, the PCG installed a 95-meter spill boom to prevent oil from spreading.
“The vessel is set to be towed toward Sta. Ana, where it will remain anchored pending inspection by the PCG and the Maritime Industry Authority,” the PCG-District Southeastern Mindanao said.
“The inspection will determine any potential damage sustained during the incident and ensure that the vessel meets all safety regulations before resuming operation,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Sofia was headed to Navotas from Lucena, Quezon when it figured in the accident.
Responding PCG personnel checked Sofia’s documents and found these in order.
Three crewmembers transferred to the M/T Mimosa while Sofia captain Pablito Solibaga remained on board to oversee the towing operation.
The Mimosa towed the Sofia toward the Bauan Anchorage Area.