PCG: A roro vessel, M/V Jack Daniel, with 795 gross tonnage and 541 net tonnage, ran aground along East Side of Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve between Brgy. Rawis and Brgy.Apud, Libon, Albay yesterday morning, April 24.

The said incident was reported to Coast Guard Station Albay from a certain SPO1 Velasco PNP at around 7 AM of the said date. Immediately upon receipt, personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Pantao proceeded to the distressed area to verify the report.

Initial investigation conducted by CGSS Pantao revealed that at 4:30 PM of April 23, said vessel departed Port of Pantao enroute to Port of Pioduran after her repainting activity. While underway, said vessel ran aground due to faulty maneuvering and overlooked the shallow waters.

Further, per coordination with the ship’s crew, underwater inspection will be conducted to determine possible damage to corals while F/V “Francis Jeren” and F/V “Imelda” of NFH Corporation (sister company) will tow the aground vessel during high tide and if weather condition permits. Likewise, no indication of oil spill was found in the said area.

Finally, CGSS Pantao personnel will continue to monitor the vessel and advised the captain to file a Marine Protest regarding the said incident.

MV Jack Daniel is owned by Sta. Clara Shipping and skippered by Capt. Alexander R. Zuplad, 54 years old, a resident of Brgy. Pacnad, Mandaue City, Cebu.