PCG: 2 vessels drift, run aground in Batangas, Romblon amid Kristine 

The Philippine Coast Guard on Thursday said two vessels drifted and ran aground in separate incidents in Batangas and Romblon due to strong winds and huge waves amid the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

In a statement, the PCG said MV Super Shuttle Roro 2 drifted towards the multi purpose berth at Batangas Port on Wednesday afternoon.

“Due to Tropical Storm Kristine's powerful winds and waves, the vessel’s anchor broke, causing it to drift dangerously close to the port,” the PCG said.

The owner of the ship coordinated the dispatch of a tugboat to tow and secure the vessel but the towing operation was aborted due to bad sea and weather conditions. 

“In the meantime, the vessel was secured at the berth, and operations will resume once the weather improves. Coast Guard Station Batangas continues to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the vessel and other port users,” the PCG said.

According to the PCG, MV Super Shuttle Roro 2 was a “dead ship” with three duty personnel. The vessel had been scheduled for dry docking and was anchored outside the Delta Anchorage Area in Bauan, Batangas since November 5 last year.

Meanwhile, PCG spokesperson Commodore Algier Ricafrente said another vessel in Romblon was involved in an incident amid Kristine’s onslaught.

“Meron din tayo natanggap na report na merong isang barko rin na sumadsad sa may San Agustin, Romblon,” Ricafrente in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview.

(We also received a report that there was another ship that ran aground near San Agustin, Romblon.)

“Ito ay naka-angkorahe din dahil sa sama ng panahon at sa kasamaang ang palad ay nabunot din ang kanyang angkor kaya ito ay sumadsad sa tabi,” he added.

(It was also anchored due to bad weather and unfortunately, its anchor was pulled out so it ran aground.)

Ricafrente said the crew was safe.

Based on the inspection by PCG personnel, Ricafrente said there was no indication of a possible oil spill from the vessel.—LDF, GMA Integrated News