A TRANS-ASIA vessel ran aground for two hours as it left the port of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte for Cebu City on Tuesday evening.
But MV Trans-Asia 8, which was carrying 124 passengers and 51 crew, was allowed to proceed by Coast Guard authorities in Nasipit. It safely arrived in Cebu City’s Pier 5 at past 9 a.m. yesterday.
Cebu Coast Guard Station Commander Agapito Bibat ordered the MV Trans-Asia 8 captain Oliver Alguno to file a marine protest before the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina 7). He also recommended that the vessel be subjected to underwater hull inspection to ensure its seaworthiness.
Marina 7 information officer Jose Cabatingan said the vessel was cleared to resume its normal operation after the underwater survey conducted by Marina-accredited underwater surveyor.
The underwater inspection was also witnessed by Marina 7 safety engineer, said Cabatingan.
“Walay damage ang iyang hull, so makapadayon ra siya sa paglarga,” Cabatingan said.
It was the management of the vessel which asked for the underwater inspection after the incident in Nasipit port.
Petty Officer 3 Jonard Abcede of the Philippine Coast Guard Nasipit confirmed that Trans Asia 8 ran aground when it left the port at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Abcede said the incident happened when the vessel maneuvered out of the port.