The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) came to the rescue of workers who were on board a tugboat that sunk in the waters off Botolan, Zambales Monday morning.
At around 7:46 a.m., tugboat SL SUAL 1 was being towed away from where it had previously run aground. After gradually listing to its right or starboard side, the tugboat sank an estimated 24 meters deep.
The 10 workers who had been on the vessel jumped overboard as it began to sink. PCG personnel brought them to safety, reporting that all remain in good condition.
The PCG said the tugboat was carrying approximately 15,000 liters of diesel when it sank. Fortunately, its fuel tank is reportedly intact.
Following the incident, shoreline patrols along the Bucao River and other areas close to the site where the boat sank were carried out to monitor possible oil spills.
Apart from patrols, the PCG responders also gathered absorbent pads and other oil spill response equipment for immediate deployment the instant they detect traces of petroleum.
The initial investigation indicates that a loud banging noise was supposedly heard from the boat during the incident.
According to PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, authorities are looking into the possibility that the boat struck submerged metal debris, such as a portion of a previously sunken vessel in the site.
“The prevailing strong waves and rough sea conditions may have further worsened the vessel’s list and affected its stability before it capsized and became completely submerged. The exact cause of the incident remains subject to further investigation,” Commodore Cayabyab said.
The PCG gathered with a representative from the company that owns the sunken tugboat, the vessel master, and other relevant stakeholders for a meeting to discuss the measures to be taken concerning the sunken boat and its fuel cargo.
The PCG continues to monitor waters surrounding the site where the vessel sank for any indication of an oil spill, in line with its Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) program and Organized National Engagement (ONE) at Sea strategic concept.
