INCIDENT REPORT: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitors the safe fuel extraction operations of a cargo vessel that ran aground near Calaviti Point in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, at around 2AM on 01 September 2023.

MV JOEGIE 5, owned by Preeminent Shipping and Management Corporation, ran aground after it drifted to the shallow waters while transiting the waters off Sitio Kalanginan, Barangay Harrison, Paluan.

According to the vessel's captain, Mr. Arnie Alberto, they were en route to Sablayan, Oriental Mindoro, from Bauan, Batangas, when it encountered heavy winds and high waves, causing it to drift and run aground.

At around 4PM (highest tide) the crew moved the vessel out from its agrounding position, allowing them to lower their anchor and inspect the vessel for any damage.

Mr. Alberto said they detected a continual inflow of seawater from the cargo compartment.

Hence, he intentionally ran the vessel back to its agrounding position and dropped its anchor to prevent it from sinking.

Sitio Kalanginan residents rescued the 14 crew members in good physical condition.

The shipping company permitted eight crew to return home, but six remained in the area for further investigation and monitoring.

Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog Commander, CG Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, directed the shipping company to coordinate with a duly accredited salvage company and devise a safe plan to remove the subject vessel.

As of today, 04 September 2023, the PCG continues to monitor possible indicators of oil spillage from the vessel's fuel tank — which contains more than 15,000 liters of marine diesel oil.

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