Cargo vessel carrying gravel runs aground off Ilocos Norte – PCG
At A Glance
- The vessel, MV MSCI 1, was operating in the area when it hit shallow waters near the shoreline of Barangay La Virgen Milagrosa around 6:20 a.m.
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
A domestic cargo vessel carrying gravel was forced into a hazardous emergency beaching after running aground off Ilocos Norte on Monday, June 8, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
The vessel, MV MSCI 1, was operating in the area when it hit shallow waters near the shoreline of Barangay La Virgen Milagrosa around 6:20 a.m.
The vessel was bound for Calayan Island in Cagayan when rough seas caused by the effects of southwest monsoon (habagat) forced it toward shore. Water also flooded the vessel’s ballast tanks, causing the ship to list.
Upon receipt of the report, PCG personnel immediately proceeded to the area to provide assistance and operational support.
“Based on initial information, the vessel was carrying gravel and had 15 crew members on board. It is owned by a company with a business address in Santa Barbara, Pangasinan,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said.
Following the initial assessment of the ship's condition, the vessel's master informed the PCG that the crew would be disembarked for safety. However, three officers would remain on board to monitor the vessel's condition and ensure its security.
According to Cayabyab, the Coast Guard continues to monitor the vessel's condition and movements while coordinating with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
Cayabyab added that efforts are underway to protect the marine environment and facilitate the vessel's refloating.