A cargo vessel from Gingoog City, Misamis Occidental bound for Shell Island off Cordova town in Mactan Island ran aground in waters off Panglao Island.

Michael John Encina, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Central Visayas spokesperson, said the ship which hit ground in the evening of Maundy Thursday was set to deliver aggregates for the ongoing construction of the third bridge that will connect mainland Cebu to Mactan Island.

Reports gathered by authorities indicated that none of the 20 crew members of LCT Poseidon 37 was hurt.

However, the PCG still assessed the damage to the corals near Doljo Point in Panglao where the vessel ran aground.

Encina said that the incident resulted from a miscalculation on the part of the crew, noting that the vessel did not encounter engine trouble.  

The Coast Guard dispatched BRP Suluan to the area early morning on Friday to provide support to the crew.

There were no holes seen in the vessel’s hull based on the inspection made by Coast Guard divers although the vessel did incur minor damage.

The Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection and the municipal government of Panglao launched an underwater inspection to assess the damage on the corals. (with reports from Leo Udtohan)