The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in southern Negros Occidental is closely monitoring a barge loaded with limestone ore that ran aground off Sitio Muntay, Barangay Maricalum, Sipalay City,due to adverse weather conditions.
According to Ensign James Carbajosa, acting commander of PCG-southern Negros Occidental, two barges carrying a total of 15,000 metric tons of limestone ore sought shelter in the Maricalum area due to rough seas and strong winds. One of the barges, B/Big Job, tilted slightly and spilled some of its cargo into the sea.
The company responsible for the barge has been notified and is working to transfer the remaining cargo to an empty barge before the vessel can be removed from the area. Unfavorable weather has hindered towing efforts.
While the spilled limestone is not believed to pose a significant threat to the marine environment, authorities are conducting an assessment to determine any potential coral damage caused by the aground barge.
The incident is likely to be considered force majeure due to its natural causes. As of yesterday, the other barge, B/Big Sun, had been successfully towed to a safe anchorage, and all crew members are reported to be safe.
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