Ship, barge damage coral reefs in Puerto Galera during Ruby’s onslaught

A ship and a barge carrying military trucks and container vans ran aground in Muelle Bay and damaged coral reefs in a marine sanctuary during the onslaught of Typhoon Ruby in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro on Monday.

According to a report on "24 Oras" Wednesday, the barge's chief mate Jason Guardo said that Ruby's winds were responsible for the incident.

"Hindi naman po namin hinayaan... Naka-standby po ang makina namin pero hindi na po talaga madala dahil sa lakas ng hangin at ulan... Hindi po natin sinasadya na maganun 'yun, gawa po ng kalikasan 'yan," Guardo explained.

Diver Morris Manalo, who checked the status of the coral reefs, said that the area was completely flattened.

"Durog na durog na po. Kumbaga mukha na siyang flooring. Nasira na lahat... Ubos na lahat," he said.

The authorities have already barricaded the area, indicating that fishing and related activites are prohibited in the marine sanctuary.

The report said that the owner of the barge, San Roque Shipping, has agreed to pay the cost of the damage.

Tourism in Muelle Bay

However, it will take years for the coral reefs to grow again, which can affect Muelle Bay's tourism industry, the area's main source of income.

Puerto Galera Mayor Hubbert Dolor said that Muelle Bay's marine life is in danger. More than 20 vessels dock in the bay every time a storm passes through the area.

The Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has yet to receive a report regarding the incident. — Trisha Macas/BM, GMA News