The Philippine Coast Guard is actively overseeing the situation involving the tanker Espada, which ran aground in the delicate ecological area of Oriental Mindoro, located south of Manila. All 18 crew members are reported safe, and there have been no indications of pollution from the vessel. The Espada, carrying only ballast, was en route from Batangas to Negros when it encountered adverse weather, leading it to seek shelter and ultimately run aground approximately 300 meters from a river estuary.
Initial inspections by the Coast Guard confirmed that the tanker remains stable, with its hull intact and no seawater ingress detected. Refloating efforts commenced on February 10, with a tug securing towlines and managing to move the vessel about five meters. The focus is now on returning the vessel to deeper waters to prevent any potential environmental hazards.
Once the Espada is refloated, a comprehensive inspection of the hull is planned. The Philippine authorities are particularly vigilant due to a significant oil spill in the same region three years prior, which involved the Princess Empress leaking over 800,000 liters of fuel. In response to the grounding, the Coast Guard has formally notified the Maritime Industry Authority, requesting the suspension of the vessel’s Cargo Ship Safety Certificate until a thorough investigation and safety inspection are completed.
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