A passenger/cargo vessel accidentally ran aground while she was taking shelter at vicinity waters of Brgy. San Piro, Balayan, Batangas due to big waves and strong winds brought about by Typhoon Nona last December 15, 2015 at 11:00pm.

The aground vessel was sighted by the personnel of Coast Guard Sub-station Balayan while conducting maritime patrol in the area onboard PCG aluminum boat “AB-155” on December 16 at 2:00pm.

Immediately, the patrol team boarded the vessel to conduct inquiry and inspection for a possible oil spill threat. 

Coast Guard advised the master of the vessel to file a Marine Protest within twenty four (24) hours and to inform the ship owner to request accredited divers for the conduct of underwater hull inspection and to secure a certificate of seaworthiness from MARINA prior resuming to its normal operations.

M/V Baleno VII of 248 Gross Tonnage, is owned by Besta Shipping Lines and skippered by Captain Napoleon Panganiban with 23 crew members onboard.