A ship ran aground near Robredo Boulevard, adjacent to the mangrove sanctuary considered a Marine Protected Area in Masbate City.

According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the ship's captain may not have been familiar with the area.

Authorities conducted an assessment immediately to determine if the incident caused damage to the coral reefs in the area. 

"Doon sa video na kinuha underwater na may patches of corals na naapektuhan, siguro ito'y dapat din nating matingnan sapagkat siyempre alam niyo naman ang importansya ng corals sa ating kadagatan,” Isaias Bigol Jr., of CDRRMO Masbate City, said.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The ship is, as of this writing, is docked at the city’s port.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Masbate said that the ship needs to obtain a Certificate of Seaworthiness from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) before it can travel again.

The shipping lines responsible for the vessel did not comment on the incident but mentioned that they have suspended the ship's captain pending findings from MARINA.

"As of now, nasa port siya, suspendido muna hangga’t hindi pa tapos yung ginagawang diving ng sa MARINA, itsi-check pa kasi nila yun kung may problema,” CG ENS Marvic Buena, Deputy Commander of CGS Masbate, said.