A roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) vessel was minutes to docking at Dumangas port from Bacolod City when it ran aground at about 5 p.m. on May 8, 2024.
The ship stopped for four hours at sea off Barangay Bacay in Dumangas town, Province of Iloilo, about 1.5 nautical miles from the pier.
In an investigation done by the Coast Guard Substation Dumangas, the skipper miscalculated the route. It was learned that the ship captain is new to the said route, the current was strong, and the incident happened while the sea was on low tide.
“Ang kapitan, medyo na-miscalculate ang area. At nadagdagan pa ito ng malakas na current ng tubig. Iyan ang dahilan na nag-aground o sumadsad itong barko,” according to Coast Guard Substation Dumangas Commander Al John Ga.
The vessel was towed to the port by 9 p.m. with the help of its sister ship and a tugboat.
The 161 passengers disembarked from the vessel safely.
The vessel was prohibited from pursuing its voyage pending investigation.
As of posting time, the shipping line is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
