Tugboat supposed to tow stranded barge off Negros Oriental goes awry

Barge TML Blue Sky Jay and tugboat TML The CEO were stranded off the waters of Negros Oriental. (Photo from PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD / November 16, 2023)

MANILA, Philippines — The tugboat, which was supposed to assist a distressed vessel, ended up in trouble itself off the coast of Negros Oriental, prompting a call for double rescue operations.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Thursday that barge ‘TML Blue Sky Jay’ was towed by tugboat ‘TML The CEO’ when they encountered rough waves.

Earlier, TML Blue Sky Jay ran aground, which prompted the operation.

“The vessels were en route Campuyo, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental from Semirara, Antique, when they encountered rough sea conditions,” PCG said in a statement.

“MTug The CEO had difficulty in tendering the towing line, causing the towing rope to entangle the propeller and the tugboat to be unable to maneuver the barge,” it explained.

Another tugboat that will tow both TML Blue Sky Jay and TML The CEO has yet to arrive as of Friday.

Once the third boat shows up, it will bring back the two vessels to shore during the high tide, said PCG.

TML Blue Sky Jay is loaded with 1.6 metric tons of industrial coal.