A PASSENGER vessel ran aground yesterday in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, northern Cebu after the rope, which secured the vessel to the port was cut.
Deputy Coast Guard Commander, Ensign Melton Ngalew said MV Super Shuttle Ferry 3 of Asian Marine Transport Corp. was carried by strong waves and ran aground near Hilantagaan Island, around 3.5 kilometers from the Sta. Fe Port.
“The rope which tied the vessel to the port was cut because of the rough waves and strong winds experienced,” Ngalew said in a phone interview.
All 12 crew and officers with their skipper, Captain Nick Aroming, who were on board the vessel are all safe.
MV Super Shuttle Ferry 3 had been taking shelter at the Port of Sta. Fe for two days since it was under repair.
Ngalew said there was a problem with its propeller and could not maneuver, thus was not capable of sailing.
The MV Super Shuttle Ferry 3 plies the Sta. Fe – Hagnaya Port route, Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island and Hagnaya in San Remigio in mainland Cebu.
Ngalew said they will coordinate with the local government unit (LGU) of Sta. Fe and the Asian Marine Transport Corp. to remove the vessel at Hilantagaan Island and bring it back to the Sta. Fe port.