The Philippine Coast Guard is working to refloat the tanker Espada after it ran aground in the environmentally sensitive waters of Eastern Mindoro, south of Manila.
Authorities confirmed that all 18 crew members are safe, and there have been no reports of pollution from the vessel.
The tanker was sailing in ballast from Batangas to Negros when it encountered rough weather. While attempting to seek shelter, the vessel grounded on a muddy-sandy seabed approximately 300 meters from a river mouth.
A site inspection by the Coast Guard found the vessel to be stable, with no apparent hull breach. No water ingress has been reported.
Refloating operations began on February 10. A tug has secured towing lines and managed to shift the vessel approximately five meters. Efforts are now focused on moving the tanker back to deeper waters. A full hull inspection will be conducted once the vessel is successfully refloated.
Authorities remain on high alert, particularly given the major oil spill in the same region in February 2023, when the tanker Princess Empress released more than 800,000 liters of fuel, leading to extensive cleanup and salvage operations.
The Eastern Mindoro Coast Guard has formally notified the maritime authorities and requested the suspension of Espada’s cargo ship safety certificate pending investigation. Regulators have agreed that a comprehensive safety inspection must be completed before the vessel resumes operations.
