A decommissioned replenishment tanker of the Philippine Navy that was supposed to be sunk in a maritime exercise by the Philippine Marine Corps and United States Marine Corps ran aground in the vicinity waters of Morong, Bataan on Friday morning, July 14.
Decommissioned Philippine Navy tanker ex-BRP Lake Caliraya runs aground off Morong, Bataan on July 14, 2023. (Photo: PCG)
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said the former BRP Lake Caliraya hit shallow waters off Sitio Crossing in Brgy. Poblacion around 8 a.m.
A statement from the PCG said BRP Lake Caliraya was being towed en route to Subic, Zambales when the incident occurred.
“MT Lake Caliraya's tow lines snapped due to strong waves, causing it to drift,” the PCG said.
The vessel was to be treated as a mock enemy ship that would attempt to invade or land in the shores of Zambales. Filipino and American marines were supposed to sunk it to test their ability to integrate, plan, and execute firing and tactics plans for the ongoing Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23.
But the sinking exercise did not materialize due to the maritime incident. The Navy has yet to issue a statement on the incident.
The PCG said the vessel was being manned by three crew members who remained onboard as of this writing.
“As of press time, the PCG Station Bataan is conducting a rescue operation for the three crew members,” the PCG said.
The Coast Guard Station Bataan coordinated with the tugboat that was in-charge for the immediate pullout of BRP Lake Caliraya off Sitio Crossing.