The fishing vessel 63168 went aground in the Philippines on Tubbataha Reef. The Chinese fishing vessel with 12 crew was illegally fishing when it struck the reef. No reports of injuries. Philippine authorities dispatched a vessel to the scene to monitor the fishing vessel and the crew on board. The USS Guardian had run aground earlier on the reef on January 17.
After four days, the 68 meter long minesweeper USS Guardian has remained stuck on Tubbataha Reef. Rough weather has pushed the vessel further up onto the coral reef. Initially stranded at the bow, the USS Guardian now rests broadside to the reef with the starboard hull on the reef. The Navy reports that the hull has begun to list to port and there is evidence the vessel has suffered water ingress. However, no signs of oil pollution yet being released.
Photo: Philippine Navy
Along with several US Navy vessels, Philippine Coast Guard and a salvage tug remain on scene. Forecasts show high winds and 2 meter waves in the area to continue for several more days preventing containment booms being deployed. A lighter vessel is scheduled to arrive on scene with oil recovery equipment.
The Navy has reported that a major factor to the cause of the grounding was an error on a digital chart. The paper copy of the chart along with other digital charts correctly showed the reef location, but the one digital version on the USS Guardian had anomaly. Naval authorities have stated that the investigation into the grounding will continue looking at other potential factors.
The 224 foot long minesweeper USS Guardian went aground on Tubattaha Reef in the Philippines. The USS Guardian had departed from Subic Bay and was crossing the Sulu Sea toward Puerto Princesa City when the naval ship struck the reef. Initial inspection found no leaks and no pollution released. At least 10 meters of the reef was damaged by the grounding. No reports of injuries to the 81 sailors on board. Weather has hampered refloating efforts.
