PCG to probe Cebu ‘submarine’ over crushed corals

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has sent divers to investigate reports that an underwater tourist sea craft hit and damaged a coral reef in Cebu last month.

Commodore William Melad, PCG Central Visayas District commander, said they joined a ;robe being conducted by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to determine if a “yellow submarine” being operated by the Cebu Yellow Submarine and Undersea Tours Corp. damaged a coral reef in Lapu-Lapu City.

Melad said divers from the PCG-Special Operations Group are already in the area to verify the report. He said if the
allegations were true, they would assess the extent of the damage.

The findings of the PCG investigation would be sent to Marina.

Melad said the PCG is concerned about the protection of the environment and the seaworthiness of the vessel in relation to the safety of the passengers.

He said the operator of the vessel is also required to submit a Master’s Oath of Safety Departure to the PCG.

Japanese diver Satoshi Toyoda reportedly captured on video the sea craft hitting the wall of the Kontiki Drop, a famous diving spot in Lapu-Lapu City, last April 18.

Toyoda uploaded the video on the YouTube.

The tour company has denied the allegations.