Amid strong winds and currents brought by Tropical Storm “Crising” and the prevailing Southwest Monsoon, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirms that all 21 crew members are safe and accounted for after three molasses-laden barges ran aground along the shoreline of Barangay Talisay, Calaca City, Batangas at approximately 9:00 AM on 19 July 2025.

Upon receiving the report from the Calaca City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Lemery, in coordination with the Marine Environmental Protection – Enforcement Response Team (MEP-ERT) Balayan and local barangay officials, immediately responded to the scene to assess the situation and implement necessary safety measures.

The grounded vessels and their cargoes were identified as follows:

• Barge EE Margarette, carrying 1,772.200 metric tons of molasses, towed by M/Tug Robina II, with eight crew members;

• Barge Amazon River, carrying 1,567.346 metric tons of molasses

• Barge Yangtze River, carrying 1,462.219 metric tons of molasses (both Amazon River and Yangtze River were towed by M/Tug Robina I, manned by seven crew members)

According to initial information indicate that the Motor Tug Robina I and towed barge departed Luca Tanjay, Negros Oriental last 01 July 2025 and arrived at Calaca Anchorage Area on 11 June 2025. Meanwhile, Motor Tug Robina II with barge—departed from Sagay City, Negros Occidental last 03 July 2025 and arrived at same anchorage area on 12 July 2025.

According to reports received, the three barges were scheduled to discharge their cargo to their designated delivery points in Balayan. However, possibly due to unfavorable sea conditions, they temporarily halted operations and decided to take shelter off Barangay Piro, Balayan, Batangas. Allegedly, the force of Tropical Storm “Crising” caused their mooring lines to snap, resulting in the barges drifting ashore and running aground along the shoreline of Barangay Talisay.

All 21 crew members were reported to be in good physical and health condition, with no injuries sustained.

A coastal assessment conducted by the responding units confirmed minor leakage from the port quarter of Barge EE Margarette, which sustained hull damage due to contact with Barge Amazon River.

The Marine Science Investigation Group – Southern Tagalog, along with CGSS Lemery, evaluated the environmental impact and concluded that the leak posed no immediate threat to marine life or public safety. Only slight discoloration and odor were observed in the affected area, which consists of non-coral, sandy shoreline not used for fishing activities.

Molasses, being an organic and water-soluble byproduct of sugarcane, has been assessed as non-hazardous and is expected to naturally dissipate with minimal environmental impact.

The vessel owners were advised to coordinate with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Calaca City and file a marine protest. In a subsequent meeting, LGU officials and vessel representatives discussed the immediate refloating and removal of the barges.

Meanwhile, monitoring remain in effect. Tugboats Robina I and Robina II are currently taking shelter at the Balayan Anchorage Area and are on standby to assist in towing operations once weather conditions improve.

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