The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that a cargo vessel ran aground Saturday in the shallow waters off Masinloc, Zambales.
The PCG said strong winds and big waves pushed cargo vessel LCT Aviva 80 to run aground off Barangay Bani, GMA News reported.
“The joint search and rescue (SAR) team, composed of PCG and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, used a life raft connected to a rope to rescue the crew members of the distressed vessel,” the PCG said.
The PCG said 22 of the 24 ship’s crew have been rescued. They were brought to the Rural Health Unit of Masinloc town and were eventually declared in good health condition.
The PCG further said search and rescue operations were ongoing for the ship’s captain, identified as Allan Boyboy, and chief mate Felix Gepillano Jr. who remained on the vessel.
The PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection Group in Zambales said there was no trace of oil spill around the area where the vessel was stalled, GMA News reported.
