PCG rescues 10 passengers after cargo vessel runs aground in Sulu

Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — At least 10 people were rescued after a cargo vessel half-submerged in Sulu, the Philippine Coast Guard said in a statement on Tuesday.

The PCG said the all-Filipino crew were rescued after MV Melyn Express was half submerged off the waters of Tanjung Pier, Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu on Tuesday morning.

The vessel, which departed  from Malaysia, first ran aground, causing it to sink.

“While approaching Tanjung Pier for a docking maneuver, the vessel ran aground as it accidentally navigated in shallow waters approximately 30 meters from the said port,” the Coast Guard said.

“The incident damaged the vessel’s keel and started taking in seawater until it reached the main engine, causing it to become half-submerged,” the PCG also said.

As of Tuesday, the PCG team continues to secure the distressed vessel while waiting to be pulled out of the water.

Meanwhile, the oil spill assessment conducted by the PCG’s marine environmental protection unit also yielded a negative result.

RELATED STORY:

PCG helps rescue 11 people from capsized fishing boat in Zamboanga

JPV