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Barges Aground Off Batangas

Barges Aground Off Batangas

Barges off Batangas
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On July 19, the barges Amazon River, EE Margarette and Yangtze River went aground in Balayan Bay along the shoreline near Calaca City, Batangas, Philippines.  The barges Amazon River, loaded with 1567 mt of molasses, and Yangtze River, loaded with 1462 mt of molasses, were under tow by the tug Robina I bound for Balayan. Nearby, the barge EE Margarette, loaded with 1772 mt of molasses, was being towed by the tug Robina II was also bound for Balayan. The vessels had to divert due to rough seas from Tropical Storm Crising and shelter in the bay. The winds from the tropical storm was strong enough to snap the mooring lines to the barges resulting in all three barges washing ashore. The barge Amazon River and EE Margarette collided during the incident resulting in hull damage to the EE Margarette.

The Philippine Coast Guard  stated that all 21 crew onboard the vessels were safe. Authorities stated that some of the molasses cargo from the EE Margarette was released into sea. The coast guard stated the cargo was considered non-hazardous and would dissipate in the sea. Local officials stated salvage and the removal of the barges will be done as soon as conditions improved.

 

 

Grey Erron

Grey Erron

Grey Erron
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On the afternoon of July 13, the fishing vessel Grey Erron became disabled in the West Philippine Sea some 70 nautical miles west of Botolan, Zambales, Philippines. The Grey Erron had suffered a failure in the main engine and the fishing vessel went adrift. The crew sent out a distress call with the Philippine Coast Guard responding. The 97 meter long, 646 dwt  response vessel Teresa Magbanua (IMO: 9908669)  was dispatched to assist. The Teresa Magbanua would eventually reach the fishing vessel several hours later.  The responders would offer aid to a crew member while provide drinking water and medical supplies. An inspection of the engine found it could not be repaired and a service boat was requested. The service boat arrived the following morning.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Teresa Magbanua

 

Lite Ferry 5

Lite Ferry 5

Lite Ferry 5
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On April 19, the 65 meter long, 2668 gt ro-ro passenger ferry Lite Ferry 5 (IMO: 9873321) ran aground just outside the port of Jagna in Bohol, Philippines. The ferry departed for Cagayan de Oro when it drifted into shallow waters at low tide.  The Lite Ferry 5 only proceeded some 200 meters from the port of Jagna when it ran aground in the Bohol Sea.

The vessel contacted Philippine authorities requesting assistance and evacuation of the 506 passengers and crew onboard the Lite Ferry 5. The Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy assisted by local fishermen would take the entire night to safely transfer everyone to shore. No reports of injuries.

Authorities were able to conduct an inspection on the Lite Ferry 5 and found no damage. A tug was dispatched from Cebu to refloat the ferry. No reports of pollution released.