Typhoon Causes Cargo Ship Grounding

A week after typhoon Yolanda hit the country and affected about 12 vessels in Palawan, another ship was reported to have ran aground at the said province and is yet to be extracted from its agrounding position.

MV Catalyn-A, owned and operated by San Nicolas Lines, Inc., was hit by strong winds and big waves at the height of typhoon Yolanda which caused the vessel to run aground.

When the weather cleared a few days later, Ronald Gonzales, clearing officer of MV Marlsan-1 reported to Coast Guard Station (CGS) Coron that they have received a radio message from the distressed vessel in the morning of November 12.

Immediately, the CGS Coron personnel proceeded to MV Banton Pearl moored at the Port of Coron to verify the report through their VHF radio. It was then confirmed by Capt. Celso Ibanez, master of MV Catalyn-A that they have indeed been battered by the storm and are awaiting for the highest tide to be able to steer off their aground position in West Monica Bay, Coron.

CGS Coron, together with Marine Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU) personnel, inspected and monitored the status of the vessel and found out that its hull is still intact since it hit the muddy portion of the seabed. There was also no signs of oil spill in the vicinity.

It was also reported that all crew members are safe and in good condition.

Meanwhile, CGS Coron advised the Master to file marine protest and will continue to monitor the said vessel.

coastguard.gov.ph