Bulker Runs Aground off San Jose, Philippines

A cargo ship loaded with cement ran aground near Tubigan Point lighthouse, San Jose, on September 3, the Philippine Coast Guard informed. 

At the time of the incident, the M/V Star Liberty carried 22 crew members on board.

After receiving a radio call from M/V Queen of Charity, the country’s coast guard and local authorities headed to the site to provide the necessary assistance.

Upon their arrival, some of the crew had already jumped off the vessel. Twelve crewmembers were brought to a local hospital for medical treatment, while another ten seafarers were brought to the evacuation center for first aid assistance, according to the coast guard.

On August 25, the distressed vessel departed San Fernando, Cebu, heading for San Jose, Antique. The cargo ship arrived and anchored some 150 meters south of the abovementioned light station.

However, in the morning hours of September 3, the Star Liberty was dragged to the shallow portion of San Jose Port after encountering big waves and strong current prevailing in the area that led to the grounding.