A landing craft tank (LCT) sank off Romblon last Monday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported yesterday.
In a statement, the PCG said the six Filipino crew members of the ill-fated LCT San Juan Bautista were rescued by crewmen of the fishing vessel Skip Jack Cri 03.
The PCG said the LCT San Juan Bautista departed from the Guihulngan Port in Negros Oriental last Saturday, bound for drydocking in Navotas.
The vessel was carrying 2,500 liters of marine diesel oil and had no cargo on board.
The PCG said crew members of Skip Jack Cri 03 “safely rescued” the crewmen of LCT San Juan Bautista, who were found in good physical condition.”
The Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDSTL) and other concerned government agencies are conducting further investigations on the incident.
The PCG said it is continuously coordinating with the crew of LCT San Juan Bautista, local officials, and concerned government agencies “to verify details surrounding the incident, including the vessel’s last position and condition prior to sinking.”
In a statement, the CGDSTL said initial assessment showed the risk of environmental damage is low, noting that the fuel it was carrying is a “light petroleum that should dissipate quickly.”
“The estimated 360-foot depth minimizes coral reef impact, and natural processes like dispersion and biodegradation further reduce the likelihood of significant shoreline or marine ecosystem damage,” it added.
The CGDSTL said it has conducted coastal security and seaborne patrols, in coordination with concerned stakeholders, to monitor traces of oil sheens.
“As we speak, no foul odor was detected along the coastline and nearby waters,” it said.
It added that it also conducted aerial surveillance on Monday and “observations confirmed that the sea remains clear, with no visible oil slicks, sheens, or leaks.”
