Cargo Ship Runs Aground Off Guimaras
Cargo ship MT King Andrew ran aground in Siete Picados, Guimaras, February 4 when strong winds and currents southwest off the Light Station forced the vessel off course, the Philippines Coastguard reported.
The ship master said MT King Andrew departed Lapuz Wharf in Iloilo around 11 p.m. February 3 bound for Calaca, Batangas when they encountered unfavorable weather conditions. The ship was laden with roughly 1,480 metric tons of cane molasses and 21 crew when it ran aground.
Upon being notified of the incident by the ship master, Coast Guard Station (CGS) Iloilo, Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Dumangas and Marine Environmental Protection Unit-Western Visayas (MEPU-WV) personnel immediately proceeded to the area.
Ocular inspection conducted by the team verified the vessel’s watertight integrity and found no ingress of salt water in the ship, nor traces of oil sheen in the vicinity.
The Coast Guard Sub-Station Dumangas issued a Maritime Violation Receipt (MVR) to the ship captain for failure to give immediate and effective notice of the incident arising with the operation or maintenance of the vessel, in violation of MARINA Memorandum Circular 120 A-10.10.1.
The team advised the master to coordinate with the shipowner to hire a tugboat to pull the vessel out from grounding position during the highest tide and file marine protest regarding the incident.
