Local authorities and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are on high alert after a tanker-type vessel ran aground near a critical marine sanctuary in Surigao del Norte on Sunday, sparking immediate concerns over a potential environmental disaster.
The vessel became immobilized in the municipal waters of Burgos, situated dangerously close to a Marine Protected Area (MPA).
According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the ship appears to have struck a reef or shallow area offshore rather than attempting a planned docking.
The situation turned urgent early Sunday morning when residents of the town’s Poblacion area reported a strong, distinct odor of gas.
In response, the local government fast-tracked coordination with the PCG station in Siargao to inspect the vessel’s hull, verify its cargo, and assess the structural integrity of the ship.
The vessel’s proximity to the MPA puts vital coral reefs and fishing grounds at risk if a leak is confirmed.
Consequently, residents have been cautioned about air quality, and fisherfolk have been advised to stay clear of the grounding site while the investigation continues.
“We are working to determine whether the vessel poses an immediate threat to our marine environment,” the MDRRMO stated in a public update.
No injuries have been reported among the crew or local population, and the identity of the vessel remains under verification.
Local officials have pledged to provide continuous updates as the investigation into the potential spill develops.
