1 missing as barge runs aground in Zambales due to strong waves

A barge hits a shallow portion of the waters off Botolan town in Zambales province on Sunday, Oct. 30. (Photo courtesy of Botolan LGU)

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — Rescue operations were underway after a barge carrying six people ran aground in Botolan town in this province.

PO3 Mar Marasigan, Philippine Coast Guard Sub-station commander in Botolan, said in a radio interview Monday, Oct. 31, that three crew members of the vessel safely disembarked before it hit a shallow portion of the sea.

Marasigan said two crew members were still inside the barge and were being rescued while another one was missing.

Strong waves due to Tropical Storm Paeng (international name Nalgae) hit the barge while the crew was taking it around 5 p.m. Sunday to a safe place.

The barge was reportedly being used to transfer sand from Botolan to Palawan or Manila. INQ

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Responding to appeals for help, the Inquirer is extending its relief efforts to the families affected by Typhoon Paeng. Cash donations may be deposited in the Inquirer Foundation Corp. Banco De Oro (BDO) Current Account No.: 007960018860 and through Maya