Fastcraft headed to Nasugbu runs aground; all 162 passengers, 7 crew safe

A fastcraft en route to Nasugbu Port ran aground in the waters of Occidental Mindoro on Sunday, authorities said. All 162 passengers and seven crew members were rescued and were safely accounted for.

The vessel, named MV Our Lady of Fatima, was maneuvering along the fairway when it ran aground approximately 670 meters off the shoreline of Barangay Tilik, Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.

This resulted in sea water entering the hull of the vessel.

"The Coast Guard Sub-Station Lubang observed the vessel’s sudden stop at around 7:45AM, shortly after departing Tilik Port en route to Nasugbu, Batangas," the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

The ship's captain said the incident was caused by low tide conditions over a rocky seabed, it added.

"The vessel was operating within its authorized capacity and had approximately 250 liters of marine diesel oil and 45 liters of lube oil on board, with no cargo," the PCG said.

The Coast Guard Sub-Station Lubang immediately coordinated response and requested nearby vessels to extend assistance.

Cargo vessel MV Princess Christine II responded and assisted in rescuing the passengers and crew of the distressed vessel.

The rescued passengers and crew members were safely brought to the passenger terminal at Tilik Port at around 9:20 a.m. where they were assisted and given food by the Philippine Ports Authority.

Meanwhile, the PCG conducted an inspection and said "no oil sheen or signs of marine pollution were observed."

The area where the vessel ran aground is outside a Marine Protected Area, authorities said.

The PCG said the ship's captain was advised to file a marine protest.

The crew meanwhile, will do an underwater inspection to check for any structural damage.

The Coast Guard Station Occidental Mindoro recommended to the Maritime Industry Authority Regional Office IV to have the MV Our Lady of Fatima's passenger ship safety certificate suspended pending a comprehensive investigation. —KG, GMA News