Cargo ship stranded off Panglao Island coast

Cargo ship stranded off Panglao Island coast
Dale Israel, Apr 19, 2019 http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/4/19/panglao-bohol-stranded-ship.html

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April, 19) — A cargo vessel carrying 20 people has been stranded off the coast of Panglao Island in Bohol on Thursday evening.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Central Visayas on Friday reported that the ship LCT Poseidon ran aground the waters of Doljo Point in Panglao. “Poseidon” was bound for Shell Island in Cordova, Cebu.

Authorities ruled out engine complications, but said they have been assessing possible damages to corals in the area.

"Nasadsad po talaga sila. Na-miscalculate daw po ng Poseidon," PCG-Central Visayas Spokesperson Michael John Encina said.

[Translation: They were really grounded. The Poseidon (ship) may have miscalculated (the route).]

Officials added the ship only incurred minor damages on its starboard side.

LCT Poseidon was carrying materials which will be used for the ongoing construction of the Mactan-Cebu third bridge.

Encina said that coast guard personnel and the crew aboard are awaiting high tide around 11 p.m. to extract the vessel off the corals. He added the ship — if needed — will be towed using a tugboat.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection said it is also checking on possible oil spill in the area. The local government unit of Panglao will likewise conduct an inter-agency environmental damage assessment on the incident.