DOT-PCG: The Philippine Coast Guard conducts a formal investigation on the grounding incident involving a landing craft tank (LCT) vessel owned by Mintrade Shipping Corp. at the shoreline of Barangay Poblacion, Malita, Davao del Sur on January 10.

Initial information revealed that LCT Karlo departed Sta. Ana Pier in Davao City in the evening of Thursday, January 9, and arrived shortly at the anchorage area of Barangay Fishing Village, Malita.

LCT Karlo was supposed to transfer supplies and other machinery parts from a foreign container ship anchored at the area to the on-going construction of Aboitiz Power Coal Plant in Toril, Davao City.

However, the 525.94 gross tonnage vessel was dragged by strong winds and current to the shoreline and ran aground at 2:00AM.

It was observed that LCT Karlo's bow ran aground at the shoreline of Barangay Malita.

Upon receipt of report, the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Davao dispatched the personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Malita to verify the incident and found out that all of its 11 crew were in safe physical condition.

The crew, including the master, are currently waiting for the owner's hired barge to pull them out from their agrounding position.

The Coast Guard likewise advised the master to file a Marine Protest.