PCG removing North Korean ship stuck in Ilocos

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reportedly taken over the removal of a North Korean cargo vessel that has been stuck in shallow waters in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte for the last 28 days.

Commodore Athelo Ybañez, PCG-Northern Luzon District chief, yesterday said they had given the local agent of M/V Nam Yang 8 three days until Jan. 22 to solve the problem, but it reportedly failed, prompting the PCG to take action.

In a two-page report to the PCG headquarters, Ybañez said they would be constrained to appoint a salvor to remove the vessel at its owner’s expense.

He said their primary concern is to unload the 160,000-liter fuel cargo of the ship.            – Evelyn Macairan