PCG: Stranded cargo vessel off Davao Oriental refloated after 3 days

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MANILA, Philippines — A cargo vessel that ran aground off Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, was successfully refloated after three days, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Monday.

The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) said MV GY Bellatrix ran aground on May 3, Friday, and was successfully refloated at 3:58 a.m. on Monday.

At around 5:45 a.m., the vessel relocated and dropped its anchor safely in the vicinity waters off Sitio Impog, Barangay Lavigan, also in Governor Generoso town, the CGDSEM said.

READ: Vessel runs aground in Quezon; 181 passengers, crew rescued

For inspection 

The CGDSEM said MV GY Bellatrix is now set to be towed to Coast Guard Station Davao in Sta. Ana Wharf where will remain anchored pending a thorough inspection by the PCG and the Maritime Industry Authority.

“The said inspection aims to assess any potential damage sustained during the incident and to ensure the vessel meets all safety regulations before returning to operation,” the CGDSEM said in a statement.

No oil spill

Meanwhile, authorities said an initial oil spill assessment in the surrounding waters of the aground ship yielded a negative result.

Earlier, it was learned that a certain part of a ship was breached by seawater, raising concerns about oil spillage.

“Further assessments by salvage experts revealed that contrary to the initial report, the central fuel oil tank has not been compromised by seawater. However, the forepeak tank, which contained fresh water, was breached. This was promptly addressed by emptying the tank using a portable water pump and safely discharging the water overboard,” the CGDSEM earlier said.

The cargo ship contained 42,730 liters of fuel.