The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responds to a maritime incident involving barge, POE 86 KUCHING that ran aground at the coral sanctuary 1.5 NM away from the shoreline of Silaqui Island, Bolinao, Pangasinan at around 06:30 a.m. yesterday, 27 December 2021.

Based on initial findings, the vessel was unmanned and had no cargo on board. Moreover, there were no sighted traces of oil at the grounding site due to the fact that the said barge was non-propelled and had no oil (no machinery). 

The PCG and the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) assisted the local government unit (LGU) of Bolinao in assessing the extent of damage at the grounding site.

The said operation was halted at around 09:50 a.m. due to rough sea conditions.

As of today, 28 December 2021, the PCG continues to monitor the said barge for further measures.