BOTOLAN, Zambales — A tugboat that previously ran aground off Barangay Bangan in this town sank here on Monday morning, August 24, as it was being towed away from the area amid stormy weather.

The MTUG SL SUAL 1 was intentionally ran aground in shallow waters here on August 14 after a hole developed on its hull, initial investigation showed.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it rescued 10 workers from the tugboat, who jumped into the rough seas when the vessel began progressively listing to its starboard side at 7:46 a.m. on Monday.

The vessel later submerged in waters about 24 meters deep, while its crew were found to be in stable condition after the rescue, the PCG reported.

The 31.5-meter-long SL SUAL 1, reportedly owned by San Miguel Corporation subsidiary SMC Shipping and Lighterage Corp., carried approximately 15,000 liters of diesel as cargo when it sank, the PCG said.

While the vessel’s fuel tank was reported to be intact, the PCG said its responders placed absorbent pads around the tugboat to preclude an oil spill.

The PCG also conducted shoreline patrols along the Bucao River and nearby areas to monitor for possible oil spills and placed oil spill response equipment on standby for immediate deployment should traces of petroleum products be detected.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said authorities are looking into the possibility that the vessel 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 added.

The PCG said it has asked the company representative, the vessel master, and other concerned stakeholders for a meeting to discuss the course of action for the sunken vessel, including measures concerning the diesel cargo onboard. ▲