Grounded ship to be towed soon

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Coast Guard on Friday said the cargo ship that ran aground off Sarangani province and shredded a large coral reef patch will be moved soon.

Lt. Cmdr. Algier Ricafrente, PCG spokesperson, told the INQUIRER in a phone interview that MV Double Prosperity’s cargo load of 65.351 metric tons of coal was “being lightened” so that the vessel could be towed out of Bacud Reef.

Ricafrente said a PCG vessel, the BRP Ilocos Norte, has anchored near Double Prosperity to keep an eye on the situation. He said personnel from the coast guard’s Marine Environmental Protection Group and Special Operation Group have also boarded the ship.

The spokesman said that so far, oil or coal spills were unlikely, although he said that PCG personnel remained alert round-the-clock for any possibility.

Ricafrente said Coast Guard commandant, Vice Adm. Ramon Liwag, has not specified a definite deadline for the removal of the ship.