SAN NARCISO, Zambales – A non-propelled barge ran aground the vicinity waters off Barangay Natividad here Thursday afternoon.
Reports from the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) San Narciso said the cargo ship/deck loading barge “Big Ger” was observed during a routine foot patrol by CGSS personnel and appeared to have run aground in the vicinity waters near the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA).
The barge originated from Bucao River, Botolan, Zambales and owned by Asian Shipping Corp. with business address at 50 North Bay Boulevard, Navotas, Metro Manila.
The barge with eight crew members onboard was being towed by Motor Tug Healthy in Botolan when the towing line snapped due to strong currents, causing the barge to drift and run aground the area.
Currently, the M/T Healthy is stranded approximately 0.75 nautical miles from Capones Island, San Antonio, Zambales with 15 crew members onboard and being monitored by the Coast Guard Station San Antonio.
The eight crew members aboard the barge were safely rescued by the CG-San Narciso, Coast Guard Special Operations Unit Zambales, and the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office of San Narciso.
All eight were brought to the rural health unit and confirmed to be in good condition and turned over to the care of MDRRMO. Photo courtesy of PMMA
