3 barges with 21 crew, molasses run aground in Batangas
In a statement, the PCG said that all 21 crew members were safe and accounted for after the July 19 incident.
The PCG said the following are the grounded vessels and their cargoes:
• Barge EE Margarette - 1,772.200 metric tons of molasses, towed by M/Tug Robina II
• Barge Amazon River - 1,567.346 metric tons of molasses, towed by M/Tug Robina I
• Barge Yangtze River - 1,462.219 metric tons of molasses, towed by M/Tug Robina I
Motor Tug Robina I left Luca Tanjay, Negros Oriental on July 1. It arrived at the Calaca Anchorage Area on July 11.
Motor Tug Robina II departed from Sagay City, Negros Occidental July 3. It arrived at the same anchorage area on July 1.
Citing reports, the PCG said the three barges were scheduled to discharge their cargo to their designated delivery points in Balayan.
'However, possibly due to unfavorable sea conditions, they temporarily halted operations and decided to take shelter off Barangay Piro, Balayan, Batangas,' the PCG said.
'Allegedly, the force of Tropical Storm 'Crising' caused their mooring lines to snap, resulting in the barges drifting ashore and running aground along the shoreline of Barangay Talisay,' it added.
The PCG said a minor leakage from the port quarter of Barge EE Margarette has been observed as the barge sustained hull damage after contact with Barge Amazon River.
'The Marine Science Investigation Group – Southern Tagalog, along with CGSS Lemery, evaluated the environmental impact and concluded that the leak posed no immediate threat to marine life or public safety,' the PCG said.
'Only slight discoloration and odor were observed in the affected area, which consists of non-coral, sandy shoreline not used for fishing activities,'
The PCG said molasses as an organic and water-soluble byproduct of sugarcane has been assessed as non-hazardous and is expected to naturally dissipate with minimal environmental impact.
The vessel owners were advised to coordinate with the Calaca City government and file a marine protest, according to the PCG.
Local officials and vessel representatives planned the immediate refloating and removal of the barges.
Meanwhile, Tugboats Robina I and Robina II are now taking shelter at the Balayan Anchorage Area and are on standby to assist in towing operations once weather conditions improve, according to the PCG. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
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3 barges with 21 crew, molasses run aground in Batangas
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