Over 40 passengers were evacuated to safety while 29 drivers decided to remain aboard a vessel that ran aground in Capul town, Northern Samar.

Coast Guard Sub-Station Capul (CGSS), through the direction of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Northern Samar has responded to a maritime incident involving MV Reina Hosanna that ran aground in the waters off Capul on February 11, 2024, at 8:57 p.m.

The vessel was from Matnog, Sorsogon bound for Allen, Northern Samar when it experienced engine failure and is dead-on-water, according to a report of CGSS Capul.

MV Reina Immaculada, based on instructions from CGS Northern Samar, attempted reportedly to tow the distressed vessel. However, the mooring line was torn during the said operation. MV Reina Hosanna ran aground at the shoreline of Barangay 1 in Capul because of strong current.

Rescue operations started at around 1 a.m. on February 12, 2024. The 42 passengers were taken to the Capul Evacuation Center, while 29 drivers decided to stay onboard as they have vehicles to look after. The operations was carried out with the assistance of the Phlippine National Police in Capul, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other agencies.

Further, CGS Northern Samar with the Special Operations Unit-Eastern Visayas boarded MV Reina Immaculada from Balwharteco Port to transport provisions for the stranded passengers and assessed the situation of the vessel.

No one was reported hurt in the incident.

No water penetration was observed aboard the stranded ship.

(Information courtesy: Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas)