RoRo vessel runs aground off Danao City

CEBU, Philippines —  A roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel with 78 people on board ran aground when it was already at the vicinity 500 yards east off Isla Verde, Dunggoan, Danao City.

Coast Guard-Central Cebu deputy commander Edzel Gonzaga said yesterday that MV Manoling 2 departed Port of Isabel, Leyte at around 8 p.m. on January 11, 2020 en route to Danao City.

“Maybe miscalculation or na-dragged sa mabaw nga area vessel mao na ran aground,” said Gonzaga in an interview.

He said that vessel was already at the area around 11 p.m. on the same day but they only received the distress call at 3 a.m. yesterday.

Aside from 25 crew and 53 passengers, the vessel was also carrying 22 rolling cargoes.

Gonzaga added that after receiving the distress call, their personnel in Danao City port proceeded to the vicinity onboard AB 088.

But due to big waves and strong current, they decided to return to Port of Danao and hired a tugboat for the rescue operation.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Gonzaga said that 27 passengers were rescued as rescue operations are still on going as of that hour.

“Ang tugboat dili makaduol sa barko kay mabaw kaayo. Mao to nag-hire mi og duha ka bangka for the rescue,” Gonzaga said.

Michelle Mondigo, Danao City information officer, said their Danao Rescue 211 is on on-standby to assist the rescued passengers.

“Pero wala ray nadapatan og first aid or any medical intervention kay so far okay ra ang mga passengers,” she said. — GMR (FREEMAN)