By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully rescued and transferred all 506 passengers from MV Lite Ferry 5 after it ran aground in shallow waters off Jagna Port in Bohol province on Saturday night, April 19.
In a situation report on Monday, April 21, the PCG said the vessel was en route to Cagayan de Oro and was maneuvering for departure when it drifted into shallow waters around 200 meters from the port due to low tide.
“A concerned citizen alerted PCG Sub-Station Jagna. Verification with the vessel’s master confirmed the situation, prompting an immediate deployment of response teams,” it said.
All passengers had been returned to Jagna port by dawn on Sunday with no reported injuries.
The operation was completed through coordination between the PCG District Central Visayas (CGDCV), the Philippine Navy, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Jagna, Bantay Dagat, and local fisherfolk.
“Initial inspections revealed no internal hull damage, but a full marine safety and environmental assessment is underway. A tugboat from Cebu is en route to extract the vessel from its current position,” it said.
The PCG lauded CGDCV Commander Commodore Weniel Azcuna for demonstrating “the PCG’s dedication to ensuring maritime safety, executing swift responses, and fostering effective inter-agency cooperation in the face of unforeseen maritime incidents.”
To date, the PCG Station Eastern Bohol has also issued a ‘Notice to Mariners’ advising all vessels near Jagna Port to exercise “extreme caution” and to observe precautionary measures to prevent maritime accidents near the grounded vessel. (PNA)
