Vessel with 106 onboard runs aground off Palawan

The Philippine  Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Sunday morning that 106 passengers were evacuated from a vessel that ran aground a nautical mile from the port of Coron in Palawan.

In a statement, the PCG said the cargo-passenger vessel MV St Francis Xavier bound for Puerto Princesa  City experienced engine trouble on Saturday afternoon during its departure and lost power.

The vessel ran aground in shallow waters near the pier during low tide while anchored and its power was being restored.

Power was brought back at 10 p.m., but the stern of MV St Francis Xavier remained aground.

The Marine Environmental Protection Unit and CGS Northeastern Palawan found no oil spill around the vessel.

The MV St Francis Xavier is set to return to the port of Coron for assessment before its next sailing. Its generator is also being repaired.

In a statement, 2GO Group Inc., the MV St Francis Xavier's operator, apologized to the passengers who had to be ferried back to the port.

According to 2GO, MV St. Francis Xavier is now undergoing thorough inspection before being allowed to sail to its next destination, after encountering technical issues.

“We deeply apologize to all affected passengers and seek their understanding,” it said, noting that passengers bound for Puerto Princesa could avail of refunds, and were assisted to secure other modes of transportation to reach their destination.

Passengers waiting in Coron for the next trip were also said to have been provided meals and accommodation.

“Coast Guard personnel as well as 2GO engineers closely inspected the vessel and did not find any oil spill or leak. The vessel has safely returned to the port of Coron by 5 p.m., June 9,” 2GO said.

The ship was reported to have resumed normal operations and docked at the port of Puerto Princesa with 630 passengers on board at 12:24 p.m. on Monday, June 10.

Passengers bound for Coron and Manila were expected to depart the port at 5:30 p.m. the same day, and arrive in Coron at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11.

“We assure the public that 2GO Travel remains committed to deliver safe and secure travel for our passengers,” the company said in a statement.

2GO is a subsidiary of SM Investments Corp., which provides shipping, logistics, and distribution services to consumers, small and medium enterprises, large corporations, and government agencies throughout the Philippines.—with a report from Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM/AOL, GMA Integrated News