Tanker rams into bridge near Samal Island-Davao City Connector

BRIDGING THE GAP Some progress can be seen in the construction of the 3.9-kilometer bridge linking Samal Island to Davao City. But the expected economic growth once the bridge is completed will only create more power woes on the island unless energy resources are upgraded, says Samal Island City Mayor Al David Uy. — GERMELINA LACORTE

MANILA, Philippines — A motor ranker carrying 930 metric tons of coconut oil rammed into a temporary steel bridge near the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) on Sunday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The PCG reported that the Coast Guard Station Island Garden City of Samal responded to a distress call from the contractor of the SIDC Davao-Samal Project concerning Motor Tanker Toni Dominique 1.

READ: Work on Samal-Davao bridge to begin soon, says DPWH

“The vessel, which was navigating the Samal side of the SIDC Davao-Samal Project, rammed into the temporary steel bridge (installed structure). Coast Guard personnel were dispatched to the scene for assessment,” it said.

The PCG said the motor tanker sustained no major damage and observed no evidence of oil spillage within the vicinity waters.

“However, the structure of the temporary steel bridge was deformed due to the allision,” it added.

To determine the cause of the incident, the Maritime Safety Services Unit-Southeastern Mindanao (SEM) will conduct a Marine Casualty Investigation and a Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection.

The Maritime Environmental Protection Group-SEM will also monitor the area for signs of oil spillage.