A cargo vessel ran aground in Barangay Calajoan, Minglanilla town, south Cebu afternoon of October 23, 2024.

According to Ensign Abel Lomboy, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard District Central Visayas, the cargo vessel was on anchorage at the seawaters of the City of Naga, adjacent to Minglanilla.

However, because of strong gusts of wind and rough seas, the ship’s anchors broke off. The vessel drifted toward the municipal waters of Minglanilla and hit ground.

The cargo vessel identified as “LCT Golden Bella” is located about 100 meters from the seashore of Sitio Noah, Barangay Calajoan.

In an initial investigation done by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 7, the ship traveled from Tawi-Tawi in southernmost Mindanao.

PCG 7 has mulled on deploying divers to conduct a hull inspection for possible leaks to avert an oil spill, or to ensure that response is in place in case of an oil spill.

PCG 7 will have the cargo vessel tugged back to mid-sea at the onset of a high tide.