Ferry runs aground off Dumaguete, 228 passengers safe

A ferry with at least 228 passengers ran aground off Dumaguete port in Negros Oriental Thursday after encountering big waves brought by Tropical Depression Auring.

 

The passengers aboard the "MV Zamboanga Ferry" were rescued and safe, according to a report by radio dzBB's Glen Juego.

 

Initial investigation showed the incident occurred at about 10 a.m., with the ferry ran aground while it was maneuvering to dock at the Dumaguete port.

 

The vessel then ran aground and its engine conked out.

 

While the report said the incident caused tension among some of the 228 passengers and 14 crew of the vessel, they were not harmed, even as rescue teams managed to get them out.

 

Earlier, state weather forecasters warned Tropical Depression Auring - the first cyclone of 2013 - may bring rain to parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

 

PAGASA forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said their models indicated Tropical Depression Auring may exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday evening.  — ELR, GMA News