The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responded to a maritime incident involving a distressed tugboat with eight crew members and a barge containing 500 metric tons of black sand and 1.5 metric tons of boulders at the vicinity waters off Laoang River, Barangay Tumaguinting, Laoang, Northern Samar on 11 September 2021.

According to the captain of MTUG KURT MATTHEW, they encountered strong winds and big waves that dragged their anchor and caused barge, SKIPTON to drift towards a shallow part of the river. Subsequently, barge SKIPTON became half-submerged.

Immediately, the PCG deployed a search and rescue (SAR) team to provide necessary assistance.

During the inspection, the SAR team confirmed that the eight crew members were in good physical condition. They also observed no sign of oil spill at the said vicinity waters.

The PCG advised the captain to file a marine protest to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).