The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responds to a maritime incident involving MV MARIA HELENA that listed approximately 100 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Nasunugan, Banton, Romblon at around 1AM today, 16 July 2023.

According to Captain Elmo Sumocol, the distressed RoRo/passenger vessel of Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc. had 93 passengers (including drivers), 34 crew members (including the captain), and 16 rolling cargoes on board.

He said the listing occurred after a tire of one of the rolling cargoes blew up, which broke the lashing.

At around 3AM, the passengers started disembarking MV MARIA HELENA using its lifeboat. The PCG team and local passenger boats in the vicinity waters also assisted in the safe disembarkation of the passengers.

They were brought to the Barangay Nasunugan Covered Court to check their condition and for further assistance.

At around 04:35AM, Captain Sumocol reported that all 93 passengers were safe.

However, MV MARIA HELENA already listed 10° portside due to an imbalance of cargoes and seawater that entered the distressed vessel.

He also confirmed no signs of cracks or holes on the ship's hull.

Out of the 93 passengers, nine (drivers) stayed on board to monitor their rolling cargoes, together with crew members who continued to assess and monitor the vessel's status.

As of 10AM today, 16 July 2023, the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog reported only two crew remain on board to monitor the vessel and the rolling cargoes.

[Progress report to follow]