Northern Samar town mayor asks PCG’s help on half-submerged ship at port

A Northern Samar town mayor is seeking the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) regarding a half-submerged ship at the municipal port. INQUIRER FILES

TACLOBAN CITY — The mayor of Northern Samar’s Allen town has sought the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) regarding a half-submerged ship at the municipal port.

Mayor Joey Suan was referring to MV Reina Hosanna of the Montenegro Shipping Lines, Inc. which ran aground in Capul town, also in Northern Samar, on February 11 this year due to engine failure.

The ship is partially submerged at the Balwharteco Port.

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On May 13, it was towed and brought to Balwharteco Port for salvage operation but the following day it was discovered to have been half-submerged after the temporary airbags used to stabilize the vessel burst.

“On behalf of the local government of Allen, I appeal and request assistance from the concerned parties, including the Philippine Coast Guard and Montenegro Shipping Lines, to take immediate action and find appropriate solutions to this matter, in order to prevent a catastrophic oil spill that could harm our marine resources and affect our fishermen,” Suan said.

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He said he wants to avert any potential environmental disaster that could devastate the local marine ecosystem and jeopardize the livelihoods of local fishermen.

The PCG based in Allen town has already placed oil spill boom in the area to avoid any potential oil spill or fuel leaks.