PCG: No signs of oil spill were found about a nautical mile away from Tilik Pier in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro where a cargo vessel ran aground and eventually capsized last Friday, March 21.

MV Asuncion XI was reportedly loaded with 100 drums of AV Gas, 23 drums of diesel, 100 liters of SAE-40 oil and two drums of diesel on the vessel tank when the incident occurred.

As per the account of its captain Ruby Fababer, the vessel was underway at the vicinity waters of Lubang Island when it experienced rough weather and sea condition thereby resulting to steering difficulty. MV Asuncion XI later drifted and ran aground at a shallow area about a mile away from Tilik Pier.

The incident was reported by Mrs. Ellen Tesalbon, operations manager of San Nicholas Shipping Lines, to the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Tilik. According to Tesalbon, the 72GT wooden hulled vessel skippered by the 69-year old captain, ran aground at the said vicinity and requested for the rescue of 21 persons onboard.

Around 11:00AM of the same day, the Coast Guard successfully rescued four shippers, seven crew members and 11 ordinary seamen in good physical condition.

MV Asuncion XI capsized around 5:30AM the following day with no indications of oil spill. Some of the AV Gas and diesel drums were refloated last Sunday and the personnel of CGSS Tilik continue to monitor the vessel and advised the captain to file a marine protest within 24 hours.

The rescued passengers and crew are as follows:

Shippers:
1. Romeo Mercado, 46 years old
2. Lito Diaz, 35 years old
3. Raymundo Ensigne, 61 years old
4. Jocelyn Cajayong, 37 years old

Ordinary Seamen (OS)
1. Lemuel Fontarum
2. Eman Falible
3. Roger Colma
4. Christopher Faminia
5. Allan Fortu
6. Daddy Flores
7. Calvin Pendon
8. Eduardo Fabregas
9. Jhimson Luzara
10. Michael De Castro
11. Randy Fadrequilla

Crew Members:
1. Capt. Ruby Fababer
2. C/M Albert Clava
3. C/E Renata Ferrel
4. A/E Orly Fabregas
5. Purser Harry Ferranco
6. Boatswain Roberto Fabito
7. Quarter Master Lemuel Fontarum