SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur–Authorities are continuing to assess the grounding of a Philippine-flagged motor tanker along the shoreline of Barangay Poblacion 1 in Burgos, Surigao del Norte, as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) moved to contain any potential oil spill and evaluate possible damage to nearby coral reefs.
The vessel, identified as MT Cheng Xian Feng 168, ran aground on Sunday after experiencing engine trouble while en route from Cagayan de Oro City to Homonhon, Leyte, according to the PCG. The tanker has a gross tonnage of 712 and was carrying about 3,500 liters of diesel for its own consumption.
PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said in a statement posted on its social media page that no oil spill had been observed at the site, but technical assessments were still ongoing to determine whether the hull had been breached.
“At around 4:30 a.m., joint authorities ensured the safety of the nine Filipino crew members, including the master, who were brought ashore for assistance and investigation. All were in good physical condition and uninjured,” Cayabyab said.
Initial findings showed that the tanker developed engine failure at around 1 p.m. on Jan. 10, prompting the captain to drop anchor. However, strong currents and heavy waves caused the vessel to drift, eventually grounding along the Burgos shoreline.
The Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) has secured the crew’s details and a SIPLAS Protected Area Map to determine whether the vessel encroached on a protected marine site. The tanker’s anchor reportedly landed about 10 meters from a coral area, raising concerns about possible reef damage.
An underwater assessment is set to be conducted to determine the extent of any harm to corals and marine habitats. Results will be submitted to the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for evaluation and possible regulatory action, including the issuance of a notice of violation if warranted.
Burgos Mayor Emmanuel N. Arcena in a statement posted on the local government page, said the PCG has already deployed oil spill containment booms around the tanker as a precautionary measure ahead of towing operations.
“This is to ensure readiness in case of any leakage and to protect our coastal waters and marine life,” Arcena said, adding that the local government, through its disaster risk reduction, agriculture, environment, planning and information offices, is closely coordinating with national agencies.
The PCG said towing operations were initiated at around 7:50 a.m. on Jan. 11, with arrangements being made by the vessel’s agent to secure a tugboat, in coordination with the ship’s company. Additional support is being mobilized from Surigao City.
The tanker is expected to remain under PCG custody in nearby Dapa, Siargao, pending the completion of environmental and technical assessments. Coastal surveillance continues, with authorities reporting no fuel leakage so far and only normal fuel consumption from the vessel’s systems.
Officials also clarified that the incident has no connection to any local folklore or supernatural claims circulating on social media, stressing that the grounding was caused by mechanical failure and adverse sea conditions.
###
