22 crew members were safely assisted by the Coast Guard and local authorities after a bulk carrier loaded with 20,000 bags of cement ran aground at approximately 100 yards Southeast of Lighthouse Station Tubigan Point, San Jose, Antique last Monday, September 03.
Initial information received from a radio call from M/V Queen of Charity revealed that M/V Star Liberty encountered distress at abovementioned area.
Immediately, Deployable Response Team (DRT) of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Antique together with Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Emergency Response Services (EMS) were alerted to render necessary assistance.
Upon arrival thereat, some of the crew had already jumped off the vessel and incurred abrasions from corals in the area.
Subsequently, 12 survivors were brought to the local Hospital for medical treatment. Meanwhile, another 10 survivors were brought to the evacuation centerfor first aid assistance.
Further investigation revealed that said vessel departed San Fernando, Cebu last 25 August bound to San Jose, Antique. The said vessel arrived and anchored at 150 meters South of Light Station Tubigan Point, San Jose, Antique. Unfortunately, around 09:30 AM on 03 September, M/V “Star Liberty” was dragged to the shallow portion of San Jose Port due to big waves and strong current prevailing in the area that resulted to the agrounding of said vessel.
Moreover, CGS Antique and the local residents provided foods and cloths to the survivors.
