PCG: A grounded motor tug was extracted yesterday by the Coast Guard in the shallow waters of Parola Wharf, Iloilo.

The grounding incident involving Motor Tug PSC Matatag occurred in the morning of February 23 as it was bound for Muelle Loney Pier in Iloilo for emergency docking and re-fueling. 

Inquiry conducted by the personnel of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Iloilo with Capt. Edgardo Benolirao revealed that the vessel was drifted by strong current towards the shallow portion of Iloilo river. 

The boat was loaded with 814 pallets of empty bottles, was manned by nine crew members and was bound for Mandaue Port in Cebu when the incident occurred 48 meters from the inner entrance of Island Jetty Red.

Upon extraction from its agrounding position, Motor Tug PSC Matatag safely docked at Muelle Loney Pier. Its master was later advised to file a marine protest while CGS Iloilo issued a notice of detention to the ship.

The ship captain was likewise asked to conduct underwater hull inspection and to secure a seaworthiness certificate from MARINA Regional Office 6 prior to their next voyage.