4 days ago
Barge runs aground in Catanduanes amid rough seas
A barge with three crew members on board ran aground at the shoreline of Catanduanes due to rough seas, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Saturday.
According a report by Christian Maño on Super Radyo dzBB, the PCG said the barge was anchored at sea when strong waves started pounding the vessel.
Coast guard personnel have been deployed to the area to assess the barge's condition. Initial investigation showed that the incident did not cause an oil spill or environmental pollution.
Onsite photos show that the cargo ship bore the name Premium Portland-2.
In a Facebook post, the PCG said inclement weather on July 18 caused the barge's anchor line to break. The vessel then started to drift "uncontrollably."
The effects of Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon or habagat have been causing heavy rains these past days.
According to the 5 a.m. bulletin of weather service PAGASA, the southwest monsoon was expected to bring heavy rains over the Bicol Region, including Catanduanes.
Sea travel was assessed as "risky for all types or tonnage of vessels." Seafarers were advised to stay at port, or seek safe harbor until waves and winds subside. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
