Vessel runs aground; passengers rescued

CEBU, Philippines – The low tide caused a Cebu-bound passenger vessel to run aground in the seas off Liloan town early morning yesterday.

No one was reported hurt during the incident and all 131 passengers and 18 crewmembers of M/V South Pacific Steel led by ship captain Arturo Soliano were brought safely to Cebu port by elements of Philippine Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Cebu station reported that the vessel departed from Bato, Leyte around 9 p.m. last Sunday.

At around 3:30 a.m. yesterday, the coast guard received a call from the crew of M/V South Pacific Steel informing that their vessel ran aground near the Batolinao port in Liloan.

The Coast Guard immediately dispatched three rescue vessels and one motor boat to bring the passengers to safer grounds.

M/V South Pacific reportedly did not sustain any major damage except for a dent in its front portion.

Initial reports said that the low tide caused the vessel to hit something, causing the engine to stop.

Coast Guard Commander Anelito Gabisan said that before 8 a.m., the vessel has already been pulled out and is now anchored at the Cebu International Port.   

Gabisan said they are giving the vessel’s management until today to pass a marine protest, but in the meantime, the vessel’s operation is being suspended.

The vessel will also be subjected for inspection by the Maritime Industry Authority. — AJ de la Torre/WAB (THE FREEMAN)