BALANGA CITY — Z2K Resources in a press release on Sunday clarified that the marine incident near the mouth of the Bucao River in Botolan, Zambales, involving their vessel MV Zhong Hai 69 Alfa was a result of its initial positioning as they prepare to embark on a large-scale dredging project.
Fiedni P. Fontamillas, Z2K chief operating officer, said the vessel is not a dredger, as initially reported on-line by various news agencies. He said it is an aggregates carrier ship and does not have any capability to dredge or suction sand.
He said the vessel was in the project that involves the dredging and desilting of the Bucao River in order to restore its natural state and water flow.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Department Administrative Order No. 13, series of 2019 issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on October 24, 2019, large-scale dredging in the river systems of Zambales was rationalized to improve the hydraulic capacities of the rivers to eliminate flooding in the province, Fontamillas explained.
The vessel, he said was battered by strong winds and waves during the recent Typhoon Butchoy while anchored off the coast of Bucao River. As a result, there was a breach in the wall of the ship that allows the water to enter the hull when it is constantly hit by strong waves.
In order to prevent further damage and possible sinking while on the anchorage, emergency repairs were done in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard personnel stationed in Masinloc, Zambales, Fontamillas continued.
He said ZH 69 is about 200 meters off the coast of Bucao River and was purposely moved closer to the shore in order to facilitate some afloat repairs in coordination with the PCG.
As a result of the timely intervention and preventive action taken by the management and personnel of Z2K, Fontamillas said, no further damage was incurred and there was no presence of any oil spill as confirmed by the PCG. The breach has already been sealed and the vessel will be moved to a shipyard for dry dock.
He expressed appreciation to the PCG- Masinloc sub-station chief Rizaldy Sardan for being on top of the situation. Led by sub-station Sardan, PCG personnel were on-hand to monitor, supervise, and assist on the activities conducted to help the troubled ZH 69 since it ran into trouble with Typhoon Butchoy.
He said Z2K Resources Inc. was awarded by the Province of Zambales with the Notice to Proceed and Dredging Operations Permit last May 28, 2020 to conduct large–scale dredging operation in the heavily silted Bucao River in Botolan.
Prior to the start of operations, Z2K conducted dialogues with concerned local officials of the municipality of Botolan to ensure that the project will make a positive impact not only on the environment but also in the inclusive development of the community, Fontamillas said.
