Cargo vessel faces P665K fine for damage to reef

LEGAZPI CITY – The cargo vessel that ran aground here on Sunday would have to pay P665,000 for the rehabilitation of damaged coral reefs.

The incident that happened around noon has destroyed about 253 square meters of corals at the Pasig Reef, about 500 meters off Barangay Arimbay, said Mayor Noel Rosal.

He said that after conducting an assessment, port authorities determined that the owner of MV Germalyn would be fined P665,000.

“The amount would be used to rehabilitate the damage brought by the vessel to the Pasig Reef,” Rosal said.

He added that port authorities would not allow the vessel to sail unless it settles its obligation.

Junjun Folioso, specialist at the Maritime Industry Authority, said the 199-gross ton cargo vessel had 18 crew members and was carrying copra from Tacloban City to be delivered to the Legazpi Oil Company Inc. in Barangay Arimbay. /ee

READ: Cargo vessel runs aground in Legazpi City