Tugboat carrying 15,000 liters of diesel sinks off Zambales

A vessel that ran aground in Botolan, Zambales on 15 August has sunk due to strong waves, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Monday. The PCG said the MTug SL Sual 1 sank at 7:46 a.m. on Monday while it was being towed at Barangay Bangan where it had run aground, after it began listing to its starboard (right) side.

A few moments later, the tugboat became completely submerged in waters approximately 24 meters deep.

The PCG said 10 persons jumped overboard as the vessel began to sink and they were subsequently rescued and accounted for. The tugboat was reportedly owned by SMC Shipping and Lighterage Corp.

The PCG said the tugboat was carrying a cargo of approximately 15,000 liters of diesel. The vessel’s fuel tank was reported to be intact.

Following the incident, PCG responders conducted shoreline patrols along the Bucao River and areas near the sinking site to monitor for oil spills.

Coast Guard responders placed absorbent pads and other oil spill response equipment on standby for immediate deployment should traces of oil be detected.

Based on the initial investigation, a loud banging sound was heard on the vessel.

PCG spokesperson, Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, said authorities were looking into the possibility the tugboat struck submerged metal debris, including a portion of a previously sunken vessel in the area.

“The prevailing strong waves and rough sea conditions may have further worsened the vessel’s list and affected its stability before it capsized and became completely submerged. The exact cause of the incident remains subject to further investigation,” Cayabyab said.

The PCG has coordinated with the company representative, vessel master, and other stakeholders for a meeting on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the course of action for the sunken vessel, including measures concerning its diesel cargo.