Indonesian barge that caused coal spill in La Union seized

 SAN FERNANDO, La Union – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized an Indonesian barge that ran aground and spilled tons of coals along the shores of Barangay Lingsat here last December after its owner failed to settle Customs duties and penalties.

Edward Baltazar, BOC district collector, told The STAR that the vessel, Nava Ratna 3, will be turned over to the bureau’s auction and cargo disposal division.

“(The owner) cannot get the barge. They have to settle first all their obligations and penalties. We will be hearing the case regarding this matter,” said Baltazar, who issued the warrant of seizure and detention early this month.

He said Sea Pine, the shipping agent in charge of the barge’s entry into the country, and Holcim Phils., consignee of the coal cargo, have been notified.

He said the owner and the consignee should both settle all their obligations with the BOC because of several violations of the Tariff and Customs Code.

“Although the barge and its cargo were covered by insurance, they should first settle everything because there were violations committed against the government,” he said.

The barge caused a coal spill in the 75-hectare marine protected area in Barangay Lingsat after it was left unattended and was not retrieved by the Coast Guard and other agencies due to bad weather.

Mayor Pablo Ortega said the coal spill destroyed century-old corals, which served as fish shelter and feeding ground.

“The coal spill covered some of the seaweeds and corals that provide food and home to the fish. Most of the remaining cargo has been swept by big waves because it was not retrieved due to lack of equipment,” Ortega said.

The barge, which ran aground more than 500 meters away from the seaport of Poro Point, was pushed further by strong waves and winds when typhoon “Mina” battered Northern Luzon.