On the morning of September 23, the ro-ro passenger ferry Virgen de Peñafrancia I ran aground in Lamon Bay off the port of Real in Barangay Ungos, Philippines. The Virgen de Peñafrancia I was departing the port with 41 passengers, 22 crew and 8 lorries when strong currents caused the vessel to run aground in the shallows just 30 meter outside the port.
The Philippine Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched vessels to the scene. The Coast Guard deployed an aluminum boat assisted by nearby motorized boats to help safely transfer all 41 passengers safely to shore. No reports of injuries.
The Virgen de Peñafrancia I is being monitored while attempts to pull the ferry free. Reports state the stranding was mostly likely due to strong currents caused by Super Typhoon Nando. The Philippine Coast Guard has suspended the vessel’s certificate until it can be inspected for seaworthiness.
