A sudden squall pushed a dive yacht aground inside the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan on Sunday, June 14, prompting the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to respond to protect one of the country's most important marine sanctuaries.

The 173-gross ton motor yacht “Philippine Siren 2” ran aground around 5 a.m. after being hit by severe weather while moored near the protected reef system in Palawan.

“They experienced a sudden strong wind and bad weather, or what we call a squall, while they were moored to an anchored buoy about 7.2 nautical miles northeast of Tubbataha Reef,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said on Monday, June 15.

The yacht had departed Puerto Princesa City on June 10 for a diving expedition in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich marine biodiversity and strict conservation rules.

“They were in the area for a diving expedition. Initially, they left Puerto Princesa on June 10 and headed to the Tubbataha for a diving expedition when they encountered the squall. That was the time we received a call, and we immediately dispatched personnel together with staff from the Tubbataha Reef Management Office,” Cayabyab said.

The vessel was carrying 28 people composed of 14 divers and 14 crew members. The divers consisted of nine Americans, three Germans, and two Filipinos.

The response team proceeded to the area aboard a Ranger Station patrol boat to assess the situation and render assistance, which led to the rescue of the divers and crew.

Cayabyab said all passengers and crew were safe following the incident.

Upon rescue, the divers and four crew members were transferred to another motor yacht and transported to Puerto Princesa City for further assessment although they were initially reported to be in good physical condition.

Meanwhile, 10 crew members remained aboard Philippine Siren 2 as response operations continued.

The grounding raised concerns about possible damage to the reef ecosystem, which is protected under a strict management that requires vessels and visitors to secure permits before entering the park.

“This falls under the Tubbataha Management Office. Usually, there is a permit or clearance for that. But in case an incident occurs, the best practice is to call the PCG so we can respond,” Cayabyab said.

The PCG said BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) had been deployed to provide additional assistance and support environmental protection efforts in the area.

Meanwhile, Cayabyab said there were no signs of marine pollution, although precautionary measures had been put in place.

“We deployed an oil spill boom so that, in case a leak occurs, it is ready to contain it. But as we speak, and based on monitoring and assessment of the vessel, we have not seen any oil leak around the ship,” Cayabyab said.

The PCG said it continues to coordinate with the Tubbataha Management Office and other authorities as they monitor the vessel and work to safeguard the protected marine ecosystem.