3 vessels ran aground during storm

MANILA, Philippines —  At least three cargo vessels were reported to have run aground during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Romblon, Palawan and Pangasinan provinces.

In Binmaley in Pangasinan, the police provincial office said cargo dredging vessel MV Xavier 1 was beached in Barangay Buenlag due to a storm surge caused by Kristine late Thursday.

In its report, the police said the vessel, with 13 crewmembers, was anchored in Sual town but was carried away by the strong winds and waves spawned by Kristine.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said its personnel were sent to the vessel and are coordinating with the ship’s officers.

In San Agustin, Romblon, the PCG reported yesterday that LCT ASC Big Boy broke away from its anchor and drifted onto the shores of Barangay Sugod late Wednesday.

“It ran aground on a sandy and rocky bottom, around 50 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Sugod,” the PCG said.

It added that the ship, owned by Asian Shipping, failed in its attempt to sail away after being washed ashore.

The PCG noted that the vessel was carrying 154 containers, seven rolling cargoes, a pre-loader truck and 20,000 liters of diesel fuel.

All 17 crewmembers were safe, the agency said.

In Palawan, the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO) of Brooke’s Point town reported that cargo vessel PGMC 2 hit the shallow part of the sea near Sitio Buligay in Barangay Poblacion on Wednesday.

The town’s MDRRMO said in a Facebook post that the vessel could have been dragged from its anchor point by the strong waves and winds brought by Kristine.

In its initial assessment, the Philippine Coast Guard-South Central Palawan Station said the vessel did not sustain any damage and did not cause any oil spill.