Chinese dredger runs aground off Zambales; PCG monitoring situation
MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese-registered dredger has run aground off the coast of Botolan, Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Thursday.
According to the PCG, the MV Zhong Hai 69 Alfa was grounded approximately 200 meters off Barangay Bangan on Sunday.
The agency has already deployed a response team to survey and inspect the vessel. Inspection showed that the vessel’s engine room and compartments were flooded with seawater.
However, there are still no signs of oil leaking from the dredger, the PCG said.
The operator of the ship, Z2K Resources Inc., has pledged to procure additional bilge pumps to be used in removing water from the flooded vessel.
PCG Commandant Vice-Admiral George Ursabia Jr. assured the public that grounded dredger will be strictly supervised.
“The PCG remains on top of the situation. We do not want to add another burden to the current crisis we are facing,” he said in a statement.
“Most of all, we do not want the local residents in the area to bear the negative consequences of this situation, especially with the possible harm it can cause to the local marine environment,” he added.
