ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — Responding rescuers successfully saved the passengers aboard the M/V Maria Helena of Montenegro Shipping Lines after it tilted and ran aground on the shoreline of Barangay Nasunongan in Banton Island during the early hours of July 16.
According to the report from the Banton Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the vessel was carrying a total of 93 passengers, 36 crew members, and 16 rolling cargoes.
Initial reports indicated that around 10:30 PM, one of the trucks aboard the ship experienced a tire blowout, causing it to shift to the side of the vessel. This was followed by the displacement of other rolling cargoes after their securing ropes snapped.
The crew attempted to fix the securing ropes of the vehicles, but due to the strong waves, their efforts proved futile as the ropes eventually snapped.
Rey Sargumba, the chief mate of M/V Maria Helena, mentioned that the captain had no choice but to run the ship aground to avoid a major accident.
Immediate rescue operations were carried out by Coast Guard personnel, the MDRRMO, and the Philippine National Police (PNP). They deployed boats to the vessel to evacuate the passengers.
The ship originated from Lucena City, Quezon and was bound for Tablas Island in Romblon.
Meanwhile, the local government provided free meals to the passengers who temporarily took shelter at the covered court of Barangay Nasunogan while awaiting transportation to Tablas Island. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa-Romblon)
Coast Guard personnel, the MDRRMO, and the Philippine National Police deploys boats to rescue passengers who are onboard M/V Maria Helena of Montenegro Shipping Lines that tilted and ran aground on the shores of Barangay Nasunogan in Banton Island on Sunday morning. (Photo Courtesy: Banton Municipal Police Station)
