INCIDENT REPORT: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responds to a maritime incident involving MV FILIPINAS CEBU that ran aground in the vicinity waters between Igbon Island and Agho Island in Concepcion, Iloilo at around 12:08 a.m. today, 09 August 2022.

The said RoRo / passenger vessel of the Cokaliong Shipping Lines departed from Iloilo at around 07:14 p.m. (08 August 2022) bound for Cebu.

According to its skipper, 57-year-old Captain Alexander Wahing, the 223 passengers and 38 crew onboard (including him) remain safe and free from injury.

Personnel of the PCG Sub-Station Concepcion arrived at the grounding site at around 04:30 a.m. to check on the condition of the passengers and crew. 

The PCG also directed BRP Panglao (FPB-2402) to proceed at the grounding site and arrived at the grounding site at around 09:30 a.m.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) also deployed a fast boat with two Coast Guard Special Operations Unit (SOU) personnel onboard to assist in the operation, as well as the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offcie (MDRRMO) of Concepcion. 

Meanwhile, the PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU)'s assessment for possible traces of oil spill yielded negative results. 

The cause of the maritime incident is still under investigation.

At around 02:00 a.m., MV NASIPIT, a sister vessel of MV FILIPINAS CEBU, departed from Maasin, Leyte to provide assistance. It is expected to arrive at the grounding site at around 02:00 p.m. 

According to the concerned shipping company, the passengers of MV FILIPINAS CEBU will be safely transferred to MV NASIPIT to reach their destination.

As of press time, the PCG District Western Visayas continues to monitor MV FILIPINAS CEBU to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and crew.

[Progress report to follow]