Grounded ship faces P42-M fine for damage to reef

MANILA, Philippines—Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said cargo tanker MV Double Prosperity, which ran aground off Kiamba town, Sarangani, should pay fines that could reach up to P42 million for damaging Bakud Reef, a protected marine area.

The 224-meter long MV Double Prosperity, loaded with 66,000 tons of coal, was sailing to India from Australia when it ran aground seven kilometers off Kiamba last May 8.

“We estimate that the damage cost in Bakud Reef could run up to P42 million. But this amount is like giving a slap on the wrist on the ship’s owners as the value in marine services that was lost as a consequence of the accident is invaluable,” Paje said.

Bakud Reef is within the 215,950- hectare Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, a declared protected area by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 756. The SBPS-PAMB is co-chaired by Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez and DENR-Region 12 Executive Director Alfredo Pascual and is set to convene on May 18 to assess the damage.