Chinese dredging vessel runs aground in Cagayan

A Chinese dredging vessel, suspected of being used for black sand mining, ran aground in Aparri, Cagayan.

According to a report by Athena Imperial on GMA News TV's State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Thursday, the rough waves amid inclement weather sent the vessel at the shallow part of the waters.

The crew aboard the dredging vessel did not seek any help but the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) initiated to check how the foreigners were doing.

The PCG said it also inspected the vessel's oil tank to prevent an oil spill.

The Chinese crew decided not to venture out too far from the coast until the weather condition improves.

Meanwhile, Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba allayed the worries of some residents about the alleged black sand mining activity of the dredger.

He has previously said that the vessel was just doing a free dredging operation in Cagayan River in exchange of the sands that would be collected therein.

"There is also a certification coming from MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau) that there is no commercial value of the black sand content of those being dredged out," Mamba said.

"Pumunta sa akin ang mga Chinese and Taiwanese. They said that they are willing to dredge it for free for as long as they get the dredged material. Dadalhin nila sa Hong Kong because according to them, they will reclaim a part of the Hong Kong Bay to expand the Hong Kong Airport," he added. —Dona Magsino/LDF, GMA News