Foreign ship runs aground

CEBU, Philippines —  All the 18 crew members of a Panamanian ship MV Arikun are safe after it ran aground near Lauis Ledge Light House in Talisay City, Cebu around 7:30 a.m. yesterday.

Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas Spokesperson Lt. Junior Grade Michael John Encina said the vessel was carrying 4,210 tons of wheat.  It had 18 foreign crew members where 13 are Chinese, three Vietnamese and two Burmese nationals.

Encina said the vessel was heading towards the Cebu International Port when it ran aground at the shallow area of the Lauis Ledge Light House as the vessel was about to enter the traffic separation scheme.

The vessel has 287,167 liters of fuel.

There was no injury or casualty reported due to the incident and there was no indication of an oil spill, after the Marine Environmental Protection Unit and the Coast Guard divers checked the area.

The vessel is now temporarily anchored in the shores of Talisay City and there were no major damage found to the ship.

Based on the port state control inspection, the ship has valid papers, Encina said.

“The vessel papers are all valid.  However, deficiency report was issued to the subject vessel in relation to the incident (code 17- rectify before departure). Further, the Master/owner is required to undergo Underwater Hull Inspection/survey from Classification Society and submit report prior its departure,” he added. — GAN (FREEMAN)