Nine crew members of a tugboat that ran aground off the coast of Barangay Bangan in Botolan, Zambales, were rescued after the vessel suffered a hull breach that flooded its engine room on August 14.
In a social media update, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the Botolan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) identified the vessel as the SL SUAL 1.
According to the crew, the tugboat was anchored when seawater began entering through a breach in its hull, flooding the engine room.
The crew then intentionally grounded the vessel in shallow waters to prevent further risk.
PCG personnel, members of the Botolan Response Team, and local fishermen assisted in the rescue operation.
All nine crew members were safely brought ashore and were reported to be in good condition.
Meanwhile, no oil spill was observed in the area, according to authorities.
