By LIZA JOCSON
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard-Zamboanga City station rescued 19 crew members of a vessel that ran aground near the coastline of Barangay Rio Hondo here at the height of monsoon rains on Friday, July 12.

A CARGO vessel ran aground in Zamboanga City on Friday, July 12. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
The Ciara Joie-1, a cargo vessel, was laying their anchor .5 nautical miles away from Sitio Casac, Barangay Rio Hondo when strong winds forced it to tilt and pushed it to run aground.
Ensign Gil Paolo Francisco, Rio Hondo Coast Guard sub-station commander, directed his personnel to launch rescue operations and safely brought all 19 crew members on land.
Heavy rains and strong winds damaged smaller fishing boats in the area.
The Philippine Coast Guard continues to monitor the situation and the safety of all crew members of vessels within the vicinity of this city.