2 Chinese vessels run aground in Currimao due to ‘Marce’

TYPHOON IMPACT. One of the two Chinese vessels that ran aground at the shore of Currimao, Ilocos Norte on Friday (Nov. 8, 2024) due to to strong winds and waves caused by Typhoon Marce (international name Yinxing). Both vessels are processing their conversion as domestic traders. Photo courtesy of Currimao LGU

Currimao, Ilocos Norte—Authorities are monitoring possible oil leaks from two foreign vessels that ran aground in the Currimao shoreline early Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, because of strong waves and wind brought by typhoon “Marce” (international name Yinxing)

MV Aries 1 and LCT PanPhil 8 were anchored at the Currimao port but were dragged to shallow waters, Lt. Joseph Christian Sagun, station commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Ilocos Norte, said in a phone interview.

Sagun said both vessels are from China but have all-Filipino crews.

MV Aries 1, with five crew members, has been at the Currimao port for five months already.

LCT PanPhil 8, with 15 crew members, arrived at Currimao port last week.

“They are docked at the Currimao port while waiting for the processing of their certificates for conversion as domestic trader from MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority),” he said.

Sagun said the crew of MV Aries 1 attempted to relocate the vessel from its previous position at about 1:30 a.m. but the engine shut down, dragging them to the shoreline of Brgy. Victoria.

Meanwhile, the anchor of LCT PanPhil was also pulled out at the height of typhoon Marce, the strong waves and wind hauling the vessel to the Brgy. Gaang shoreline.

The Currimao local government has checked on the crew members, who requested for bottled water. (Leilanie G. Adriano)