Coast Guard deploys oil spill booms around capsized vessel in Quezon

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed oil spill containment booms around the roll-on/roll-off vessel MV Virgen de Peñafrancia II, which capsized about 10 meters from Ungos Port in Real, Quezon.

The vessel was carrying some 1,300 liters of marine diesel in its service tank.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said that while marine diesel naturally dissipates, the Coast Guard still deployed containment booms as a precaution to protect nearby communities from possible oil contamination.

“We have directed the shipping company to apply for an Emergency Salvage Permit and undertake measures to safely remove the distressed vessel,” Cayabyab said.

In a statement, Starhorse Shipping Lines said it has been cooperating with the PCG since the incident.

The Coast Guard said its personnel promptly responded to the incident and rescued all 40 passengers, including two infants, as well as the vessel’s 18 crew members.

The PCG and Starhorse Shipping Lines confirmed that all passengers and crew members are safe.

The vessel was also carrying 14 rolling cargoes, or vehicles, when it capsized.

Based on the initial investigation by the Coast Guard Northern Quezon, the ship’s captain said a mooring rope securing the vessel to the pier snapped due to strong water current, causing its bow to drift about 10 meters away from the port.

The vessel reportedly attempted to maneuver back toward the pier, but its bow ran aground before it capsized onto its starboard or right side.

The MV Virgen de Peñafrancia II had arrived from Polillo Island and was preparing to disembark its passengers when the incident occurred.