A passenger ship ran aground in Romblon, Romblon on Monday, Nov. 11, but all of its 156 passengers were saved due to the timely response of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
MV Maria Oliva, operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines, was traversing the vicinity waters of Romblon when it hit shallow waters.
The ship departed from San Agustin Port in San Agustin, Romblon en route to the Port of Romblon in the downtown province when the incident took place.
Aside from the passengers, the cargo ship was also carrying 38 crew members and 26 ferry trucks.
The Coast Guard Station Romblon immediately dispatched a rigid hull inflatable boat to conduct rescue operations. The provincial government of Romblon also fielded a speedboat while the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office sent a rescue boat to augment the PCG’s force.
“All passengers were safely transferred to Romblon Port, except for a dialysis patient and his companion since he needed access to his dialysis equipment, which was in his vehicle on the vessel,” the PCG said.
The PCG coordinated with the vessel’s crew to monitor the grounded vessel’s position.
“No oil spill or flooding has been observed. Moreover, the cause of the incident is currently under investigation,” the agency added.