PCG: A domestic cargo ship was detained by the Coast Guard last Saturday, September 6, after the vessel's master failed to show documents from the Department of Energy (DOE) allowing them to conduct cargo blending onboard.

According to an initial report by the Bureau of Customs-Intelligence Division, M/T Elaine has an undeclared petroleum, oil and lubricant (POL) cargo and arrived at the LK Wharf in Tambler, General Santos City from Jolo, Sulu on Friday. 

Upon receipt of information, the personnel of Coast Guard Station (CGS) General Santos conducted an onboard inspection and discovered from the ship's Inward Cargo Manifest that M/T Elaine was loaded with 230,000 liters of premium gas.

On the ship's record book, however, it was revealed that M/T Elaine was loaded with a total of 260,000 liters of condensate (light oil) from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia last August 27. Upon its arrival in Jolo, the crew have conducted a cargo blending procedure to produce premium gasoline. 

The ship captain failed to show any documentary permission from the DOE.

CGS Gensan then issued a boarding certificate and corresponding Enforcement Inspection Apprehension Report (EIAR) with declaration of detention. Proper coordination was already made with Bureau of Customs-Gensan for their appropriate action.