Cargo vessel runs aground off Antique

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is monitoring a possible oil spill in the waters off San Jose town in Antique after a cargo vessel carrying 20,000 sacks of cement ran aground yesterday. 

Capt. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said the 383-gross ton M/V Star of Liberty ran aground around 300 meters from the shoreline of Barangay 4 at about 10 a.m.   

The cargo vessel was dragged by strong winds and big waves toward a shallow and rocky portion of the water, according to initial reports received by the PCG.  

The crewmembers of the cargo ship, including those who were injured when they jumped overboard, were rescued. 

The injured were taken to a hospital for treatment.