On Friday afternoon, Chinese fishing vessel F/V Min Long Yu, was successfully towed and removed from its grounding site near the northern isle of Tubbataha Reef.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena said that around 2:20 p.m. the vessel that ran aground last week was extracted from its grounding position by Malayan Towage’s tugboat M/T Limay.
Rear Admiral Isorena said: “PCG divers will conduct an underwater hull inspection for any damages prior to the fishing vessel’s towing from the UNESCO World Heritage site.”
Once the F/V Min Long Yu is checked, it will be immediately towed to Puerto Princesa City where a detailed vessel inspection will be conducted, particularly on the discovered frozen anteaters beneath the cargo hold section.
Rear Admiral Isorena said that all pieces of evidence which will be collected by the investigation team will be turned over to the Philippine Council for Illegal Entrants that is in-charge of filing charges against the 12 crew member of the foreign vessel in question.
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Phillippines Coast Guard, April 19, 2013; Image: Naval Forces West