A passenger ship carrying 181 individuals ran ground off Real Port in Quezon Province on Maundy Thursday, March 28.
MV Virgen De Peñafrancia II drifted into shallow waters during maneuvering and hit a sandy seabed near Real Port moments after it sailed, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“This was due to strong currents and low tide conditions in the vicinity waters when the accident occurred,” the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDST) said.
The passenger ship was en route to Polillo Port when the incident happened around 10 a.m.
The PCG initiated a rescue operation which led to the safe disembarkation of 152 passengers and 29 crew members.
Authorities also secured 16 vehicles and 51 motorcycles on board the distressed vessel.
Private motorboats were used to ferry the rescued individuals back to Real Port.
They were assessed by the Rural Health Unit in Real town and all were deemed in good physical condition.
The incident did not result to an oil spill, according to the initial results of the PCG’s assessment.
Meanwhile, coordination was made with another motor vessel, MV Syvel 808, for the towing of MV Virgen De Peñafrancia II.
MV Virgen De Peñafrancia II is owned by Starhorse Shipping Lines based in Quezon Province. It has a gross tonnage of 253 tons and net tonnage of 76 tons.