PCG: Cargo vessel runs aground off Occidental Mindoro; 14 crew rescued

A cargo vessel with fourteen crew aboard ran aground off Lubang, Occidental Mindoro over the weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday.

Based on their initial investigation, the coast guard said the M/V Manfel V ran aground on Sunday evening near the coastal community of Barangay Maligaya after encountering engine trouble while en route to Bauan, Batangas from Subic, Zambales.

The vessel drifted from Fortune Island towards Lubang and subsequently ran aground.

The M/V Manfel V is a 498.72 gross tonne general cargo vessel skippered by Captain Radie Brillante and operated by Manfel Cargo Shipping.

“All 14 crew onboard were already rescued and brought to MDRRMO [Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office] to check their health condition and to conduct antigen tests. Fortunately, they were all in good physical and health condition,” the PCG said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the PCG said the provincial coast guard “is continuously monitoring the... vessel to check any signs of oil spillage and further advised the master of the vessel to file a marine protest within 24 hours”.

“In addition, members of the responding team will assess any damage to the marine environment incurred due to the grounding,” it added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News