Cargo vessel runs aground off Leyte province

A steel-hulled cargo vessel carrying copra oil ran aground off Leyte province after braving large waves Saturday morning. Commander Armand Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, said MV Tommy Elegance was sailing off Tolosa town when its captain decided to dock to the nearest port at 7:15 a.m. due to bad weather. Even before reaching the Tacloban Oil Mills Pier in Barangay Opong, the vessel ran aground on a "shallow and sandy" part of the sea, some 600 meters away from land, according to Balilo.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV While maneuvering to anchor, the 249.73-ton vessel encountered big waves, which caused the ship's star board to list 15 degrees. The four officers and nine crewmen aboard the vessel were not harmed in the maritime incident. The vessel was not damaged. There was also no oil spill. The vessel will be pulled out of the shallow part of the sea by a Philippine Navy ship, Balilo said. - MARK D. MERUEÑAS/ARCS GMANews.TV