Cargo ship runs aground in Zambales; 22 of 24 crewmates rescued

Cargo ship runs aground in Zambales; 22 of 24 crewmates rescued
Martin Sadongdong July 3, 2022 https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/03/cargo-ship-runs-aground-in-bajo-de-masinloc...

A cargo ship carrying 24 crew members ran aground in Masinloc, Zambales on Saturday, July 2, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

A report from the PCG said cargo ship LCT Aviva 80 was traversing Bajo de Masinloc when it suddenly encountered strong winds and big waves, which caused it to hit shallow ground in the vicinity waters off Barangay Bani.

“The joint search and rescue (SAR) teams, composed of PCG and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, used a rope connected to a life raft to rescue the crew onboard the distressed vessel,” the PCG said.

Twenty-two of the 24 crew members have been rescued as of Sunday, July 3, while search and rescue operations were ongoing to save the captain and chief mate who requested to stay on board the distressed vessel.

They were identified as Alan Boyboy, the boat captain; and Felix Gepillano Jr., the chief mate.

Meanwhile, the 22 crew members were brought to the Rural Health Unit of Masinloc town where they were assessed and given medical attention. They were all declared to be in good health condition.

The PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection Group in Zambales inspected the vicinity waters where the incident occurred and it said that there were no traces of oil spill found in the area.