Cargo vessel MV Bella Trix, which had been aground since May 3, 2024 off the coast of Barangay Lavigan, Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental while en route to Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, was successfully re-floated early today, May 6, thanks to favorable tidal conditions. The vessel owned by GY Shipping Lines is set to be towed back to Sta Ana Wharf in Davao City for further inspection and investigation by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). Observations indicated that there are no signs of oil spill in the surrounding waters.
In a report by Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental, the vessel was freed from its aground position without the need for external assistance at around 3:58 AM. It has relocated and dropped its anchor safely in the vicinity waters off Sitio Impog, Barangay Lavigan, Governor Generoso at about 05:45 AM. It is now set to be towed to Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City where it will remain anchored pending a thorough inspection by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). The said inspection aims to assess any potential damage sustained during the incident and to ensure the vessel meets all safety regulations before returning to operation.
It can be recalled that the cargo vessel ran aground at approximately 01:00 AM last Friday, May 3, 2024 near Barangay Lavigan, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. The Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental, along with the Marine Environmental Protection Unit – Southeastern Mindanao (MEPU-SEM) and other response teams, were swiftly dispatched to the site to assess the situation and immediately deployed a 95-meter spill boom to contain any potential spillage.
MV Bella Trix was carrying a cargo of bulk wheat, with 22 crew members aboard when the incident occurred.
photos by Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao
