Firm clarifies Zambales marine incident

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Z2K resources, a company handling the dredging and desilting of the Bucao River in Botolan, Zambales, has clarified a marine incident that occurred in the area involving its vessel ZH 69.

Fiedni Fontamillas, Z2K’s chief operating officer, said the incident was a result of the vessel’s positioning as part of the preparations for a major dredging activity.

The ZH 69 was battered by strong winds and waves during the recent Typhoon Butchoy as it was anchored off the coast of Bucao River, Fontamillas said.

“As a result, there was a breach in the wall of the ship that allowed the water to enter the hull,” he said.

The ZH 69 is about 200 meters off the coasts of Bucao River and was purposely moved closer to the shore in order to facilitate repairs in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard [PCG] station in Masinloc, Zambales.

‘The vessel is not a dredger, as initially reported on-line by various news agencies.  It is an aggregate carrier ship and does not have any capability to dredge or suction sand,’ Fontamillas said.

To prevent the vessel from sinking and getting more damage, emergency repairs had to be done.

The intervention and preventive action taken by the management and personnel of Z2K prevented an oil spill and damage on the vessel as confirmed by the PCG.

“The breach has been sealed and the ZH 69 will be moved to a shipyard for dry dock,” Fontamillas said.