Chinese ship carrying nickel ore runs aground off Eastern Samar
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard reported Thursday that a Chinese-flagged bulk carrier ran aground last week off the shoreline of Barangay Sulangan in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
The PCG said that based on an investigation, bulk carrier MV ZHE HAI 168 which had 20 Chinese crew onboard was transporting nickel ore from Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar to Caofeidian in China when the ship ran aground at around 6:10 p.m. on April 18.
The ship’s crew, led by captain Jiang Shangjun, said the vessel had no leaks or damage, the PCG said. The Marine Environment Protection Unit also found no traces of oil spill when it conducted a surface assessment.
To ensure that no oil spill will occur, the PCG said its substation in Guiuan will install spill booms and oversee salvage operations that are expected to begin Thursday with the arrival of a team from Singapore.
The PCG added that divers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau will check on the condition of corals at the nearby marine protected area for damage.
A marine casualty investigation is underway, the PCG said. — Xave Gregorio
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