Coast Guard checking Batanes waters for oil spill

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is checking the waters of Basco, Batanes for an oil spill after a cargo vessel carrying 18 crewmembers and construction equipment ran aground there last weekend. PCG spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Algier Ricafrente said the MV Wakay Trader was being towed some 100 meters southwest of Basco Pier at 2:30 p.m. Sunday when it ran aground. "(The Coast Guard Station in) Basco is continuously monitoring MV Wakay Trader so the station could immediately respond and extend assistance in case an oil spill occurs," the PCG said in an article posted Tuesday on its website. The PCG also advised the vessel’s master to file a marine protest explaining how the incident happened. According to the PCG, the vessel was loaded with 579 cubic meters of gravel and sand, and two heavy equipment. The vessel already had engine trouble on Saturday while it was anchored some 300 yards west of Basco Pier. However, the vessel drifted on the shallow water until it went aground. At around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the crewmembers found a hole inside the engine room and saw water coming in at about one drum every three minutes. They decided to transfer the cargo to Basco Pier via a small barge on Monday afternoon, the PCG said. - VVP, GMA News