Tubbataha update: 2 engines removed from US minesweeper

MANILA, Philippines - At least two main engines have been safely taken out from the United States Navy vessel that ran aground in the Tubbataha Reef, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said yesterday.

Commodore Enrico Efren Evangelista, PCG Palawan District commander, said the salvors have removed two of the four main engines of the 68-meter minesweeper USS Guardian, which also has three auxiliary engines.

The salvors have also detached the boom from the fantail and transferred it to the crane ship M/T Jascon 25.

Part of yesterday’s plans was the removal and transfer of the ship’s two auxiliary engines and one of the two remaining main engines, Evangelista said.

The salvors also intend to remove the pipelines in the engine room, and for the crane ship to take out the remaining machinery and loose items.

Evangelista said the salvors were able to continue with their tasks due favorable weather conditions at the reef.

The ran aground at Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, last Jan. 17 while on its way to Indonesia.

The incident has reportedly damaged some 4,000 square meters of coral reefs at Tubbataha.