Opol, Misamis Oriental- In a startling turn of events, at around 1550H on January 15, 2024, a dredger barge, Barge GD Waling Waling and Barge SB 1002 drifted and ran aground the shoreline of Opol along the Panagatan Restaurant vicinity.
Initial investigation suggests that strong wind and high swells brought about by the shear line (Amihan) had resulted to the grounding of the said barges. Tugboats, M/T Sikat Araw and M/T Gabay, which assisted to tow the barges for safe navigation reported to have encountered difficulties in their maneuvering to a safer harbor, the same were unable to hold/tow the barges, instead drifted to the shoreline of the Municipality of Opol about 1 kilometer east of the Port of Opol.
The incident was immediately reported by the Terminal Manager of the TMO-Opol to the PCG Sub-Station Opol for their immediate emergency response, to ensure the safety of life and property at sea, and for any possibility of an oil spill incident.
The Port Management Office of Misamis Oriental/ Cagayan de Oro headed by PM Isidro V. Butaslac, Jr., and Terminal Manager, Roel Q. Madera in coordination with the Local Authorities, Philippine Coast Guard Sub-Station, MARINA, and shipping/tugboat representatives met to come up with a collective effort to determine the exact causes the incident and review of navigation protocols in the area to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
No injuries/causalities have been reported. It may be noted that early in the morning on January 15, 2024 before the incident, the shipping company/tugboat were advised by PCG in coordination with TMO Opol to take shelter at Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.
“Sa progresibong Pantalan, aasenso ang bayan”
Facebook: @portsauthorityph
Twitter: @ph_ports
Youtube: @ph_ports
Instagram: @ph_ports
Tiktok: @ph_ports