RORO barge runs aground in Cebu; over 100 passengers rescued

A roll-on/roll-off (RORO) barge from Bantayan Island, Cebu, reportedly ran aground Friday night as it was about to reach mainland Cebu at the Hagnaya Port, San Remigio.

According to Ensign Abel Lomboy, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas, the barge left the island in the afternoon, and the incident happened at past 7 p.m.

The barge was already in the waters of Barangay Punta of the same town when it suddenly reached a shallow part.

“We are still verifying the reason why it happened,” said Lomboy.

They immediately conducted rescue operations for 152 passengers and the 25 crew members.

All were accounted for, and no injuries were reported.

The passengers were immediately brought to the nearest point where they could dock at the mainland.

Lomboy added they are monitoring a possible oil spill from the incident.

“Monitoring pa kami if need pa ba lagyan ng oil spill boom pero as of now wala pa,” added Lomboy.

They are now awaiting the marine protest to be filed by the captain of the barge.