On the night of October 25, the 90 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Lite Ferry 10 (MMSI: 548665300) ran aground in the Bohol Sea off Larena, Siquijor, Philippines. The Lite Ferry 10 had departed from Tagbilaran, Bohol with 359 passengers and 45 crew onboard with 250 passengers bound for Plaridel while 109 passengers were travelling to Siquijor. For undisclosed reasons, the ferry ran aground firmly on a coral reef near the shoreline with its bow nearly out of the water.
The Philippine Coast Guard was alerted to the incident and began efforts to rescue the passengers and crew. The Coast Guard arrived on scene and assisted in getting all 359 passengers and 45 crew were safely transferred off the ferry. Afterwards, the Coast Guard began attempts to pull the Lite Ferry 10 free. The first attempted failed as a tugboat was only able to pull the ferry a few meters. Another attempt would be made the next day on the next high tide.
Reports state that divers made an inspection of the hull and found there were no breaches, but the coral reef had sustained damage. No oil pollution had been detected, but the Philippine Coast Guard had booms ready if any pollution is detected. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
