Fishing vessel loaded with 40,000 liters of oil sinks off Batangas
LIAN, Batangas – The Philippine Coast Guard rescued 11 crew members of a fishing vessel loaded with 40,000 liters of oil that sunk in the sea of this town before dawn on Wednesday, July 23.
The Coast Guard Station Batangas received information from BRP Dagupan, a Philippine Navy vessel, regarding a distress call from a fishing vessel identified as FV Unity World that completely submerged in the sea of Sitio Talim, Barangay Luyahan.
THE Philippine Coast Guard rescued 11 crew of a distressed fishing vessel in the sea of Batangas. (Photo via Danny Estacio)
The vessel was reportedly carrying approximately 40,000 liters of Automotive Diesel Oil (ADO) when it sank.
FV Unity World departed the Navotas City fish port for Cuyo, Palawan to deliver the cargo and pick up assorted fish.
The vessel encountered rough sea conditions near Fortune Island, prompting its master to declare abandon ship.
Eleven crew managed to reach the shoreline safely using floating devices.
All crew members were accounted for and are in good condition following a health check conducted by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).
The CGSS Lian proceeded to Matabungkay shoreline but could not launch water assets due to rough seas. The team continues its monitoring, conduct information dissemination, and efforts to access the area.
The PCG is closely coordinating with local government units and concerned agencies to ensure that appropriate response and mitigation measures are in place.
The agency is also conducting shoreline monitoring and assessment operations through its Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement Response Team in Nasugbu and Coast Guard Sub-Station Lian.