Tugboat runs aground off Batangas

LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines — A tugboat ran aground off Maricaban Island, Calatagan, Batangas, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Monday.

PCG said MTug JCPCI Sofia departed from dry dock in Lucena, Quezon before going to Navotas.

“While passing through Calatagan, the distressed motor tugboat ran aground, which damaged its rudder post and caused steering issues,” the PCG said in a statement.

READ: PCG: Crew members of vessel that ran aground off Batangas safe

Three crew members of MTug JCPCI Sofia were safely transferred to another tugboat, the MTug Mimosa of Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc.

MTug Mimosa towed the distressed motor tugboat and it reached Bauan Anchorage Area in Batangas on Saturday. On Monday, it was safely anchored 300 meters away from Bauan Port.

Meanwhile, PCG’s response team confirmed that all MTug JCPCI Sofia’s on board documents were complete and valid.