The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has secured the safety of at least 324 passengers of a roll on-roll off vessel that ran aground on Saturday near the Coron port in Palawan.
PCG high speed response boats raced to the scene after receiving distress call from the MV St. Francis Xavier which encountered engine trouble shortly after setting off for Puerto Princesa City last Saturday afternoon.
The vessel reportedly has difficulty during its undocking maneuver, lost power and stalled approximately one nautical mile from the port of
Coron. The crew dropped anchor to prevent the ship from drifting into open seas.
While engineers worked on restoring power, the vessel’s stern ran aground in a shallow water near the pier due to low tide.
By 10 p.m., power was restored, but the ship remained immobilized as the stern was still grounded.
Personnel from the Marine Environmental Protection Unit and Coast Guard Station (CGS) Northeastern Palawan boarded the vessel, to assess the mechanical problem.
They found no signs of leakage or oil spills around the vessel. Divers have begun an underwater hull assessment.
The MV St. Francis Xavier planned to return to the port of Coron for a thorough assessment before continuing its voyage.
Meanwhile, CGS Northeastern Palawan assisted in the disembarkation of the passengers.
A detailed inspection of the vessel will be conducted before it is allowed to proceed to its next destination. Repair of the generator is still ongoing.