Passenger vessel runs aground amid 'Nando '; 63 individuals rescued
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
A passenger vessel ran aground off Real, Quezon during the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Nando” but all individuals onboard were rescued, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
MV Virgen de Peñafrancia I, operated by Starhorse Shipping Lines, drifted into the shallow portion of Port of Real in Barangay Ungos around 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, due to strong current.
The vessel was about to leave the area and approximately 30 meters from the port when it ran aground. It was carrying 22 crew members including the master of the vessel, 41 passengers, and eight rolling cargoes. It was also loaded with 5,000 liters of fuel.
Upon learning of the incident, personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Real and Coast Guard Station (CGS) Real proceeded to Ungos Port to assess the situation and initiate rescue operations.
The PCG also alerted the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO) of Real for medical augmentation.
The CGSS Real used an aluminum boat while nearby motorized boats assisted in transferring passengers safely to Ungos Port.
After an hour, all passengers were brought to shore and assessed by medical personnel from the MDRRMO Real.
“All were reported in good physical condition,” the PCG noted.
The passengers were then transferred to another vessel bound for Port of Polillo to continue their travel.
Meanwhile, truck drivers remained at Ungos Port to monitor and secure their rolling cargoes pending the safe pull-out and docking of MV Virgen de Peñafrancia I.
The PCG advised the vessel’s captain to file a marine protest.
A formal request would be sent by the PCG to the regional office of the Maritime Industry Authority in Calabarzon (Marina-4A) for the suspension of the vessel’s Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) pending safety inspection to determine its seaworthiness.