A motor tugboat hit shallow waters off Palaui Island in Santa Ana, Cagayan on Saturday, July 29, stranding 11 of its crew members.
*Philippine Coast Guard personnel check on the status of motor tugboat Sedar 7 after it runs aground off Palaui Island in Santa Ana, Cagayan on July 29, 2023, stranding 11 of its crew members. (Courtesy of PCG)
* The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said MTug Sedar 7 ran aground in the vicinity waters of Barangay San Vicente due to high waves and strong current. The captain of the tugboat was maneuvering the vessel as it attempted to take shelter but it drifted instead toward the shallow part of Palaui Island. “The 11 crew members, including the captain, were safe and in good physical condition,” the PCG said. Meanwhile, the PCG's Marine Environmental Protection (MEP) Force conducted an initial oil spill assessment which yielded a negative result. “The Coast Guard response team will board the vessel to provide further assistance as soon as the weather permits,” the PCG said.