Yacht runs aground in Tubbataha Reef

MANILA, Philippines — A motor yacht with 28 people aboard, including nine Americans and three Germans, ran aground yesterday at the Tubbataha Reefs and Natural Park, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

In a statement, PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the MY Philippine Siren 2 ran aground after the yacht encountered a squall while being moored to an anchored buoy 7.2 nautical miles northeast of the reef.

The 173-gross-ton yacht departed Puerto Princesa City in Palawan on June 10 for a diving expedition in Tubbataha.

“A total of 28 people were on board, consisting of 14 divers and 14 Filipino crew members. The divers were composed of nine Americans, three Germans and two Filipinos,” Cayabyab said.

She added that the PCG dispatched a response team to assess the situation.

According to Cayabyab, the divers were all in good physical condition and transferred to the MY Resolute for their trip back to Puerto Princesa yesterday.

The 10 crewmembers stayed onboard the distressed yacht as the PCG deployed the BRP Cape Engaño to provide additional assistance to the boatmen and check on the environmental situation in the area.

“As of 9:30 a.m., MY Philippine Siren 2 remains aground. No oil spill or signs of marine pollution have been observed in the area,” Cayabyab said.