PCG: A total of 78 passengers and an infant were assisted by the Philippine Coast Guard last Saturday from an agrounded vessel in Escalante, Negros Occidental. 

The passengers were onboard Landing Craft Tank (LCT) Navistar and were bound for Barcelona, Escalante when the vessel ran aground. 

Investigations revealed that LCT Navistar was already 20 meters off Barcelona Port and was waiting for berthing space to unload its rolling cargoes and passengers when it drifted and ran aground.

The personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Escalante immediately went to assist all passengers and transported them to port. They also advised the ship master to file for a marine protest and secure a Certificate of Seaworthiness from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) prior to resuming their normal operations.