ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued the captain and 10 crewmembers of a cargo vessel that ran aground in the waters off Indanan, Sulu on Monday.
The PCG-Sulu station launched the rescue operation after fishermen alerted them about the M/V Melyn Express that was partially submerged and drifting near Barangay Kajatian.
The Melyn Express, which came from Malaysia, was preparing to dock at the Tanjung Pier when it accidentally navigated in the shallow waters and damaged its keel, according to Cmdr. Marco Antonio Gines, chief of the PCG-Southwestern Mindanao.
Melyn Express’ skipper Muntasir Karanain told the rescue team that seawater entered the ship’s engine room and lower deck.
Karanain said the vessel started to submerge as it was drifting back into the deeper portion of the sea.
The rescue team evacuated the captain and his crewmembers, who were subjected to medical checkup. Everyone was found to be in good physical condition. – Robertzon Ramirez