A Chinese bulk carrier carrying nickel ore from the Visayas ran aground off the waters of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disclosed on Thursday, April 27.

The report stated that the Chinese-flagged bulk carrier, MV ZHE HAI 168 ran aground at the vicinity waters approximately 2.7 nautical miles off the shoreline of Barangay Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar on April 18.

“Based on the investigation, the bulk carrier, with 20 Chinese crew on board, was transporting nickel ore from Homonhon Island, Eastern Samar, to Caofeidian (China) when the accident occurred,” the report read.

As soon as the report was received, PCG personnel were sent to the area to assist the crew and conduct ocular inspection on the vessel with local officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“A surface assessment for possible traces of oil spill yielded a negative result,” the PCG report read.

The Chinese crew confirmed no leakage or damage inside the vessel, the report added.

The PCG is now preparing for the arrival of a salvage team from Singapore to conduct operations.  They will temporarily transfer the cargo to a barge and pull out the ship.

“The Coast Guard Sub-Station Guiuan will supervise the salvage operations and ensure no spillage will occur by installing oil spill booms. After the successful pull-out of the bulk carrier, the PCG will conduct another hull assessment,” the report stated.

“Meanwhile, DENR-Environment Management Bureau divers will also evaluate the condition of corals at the marine protected area near the vicinity waters for damage claims,” it added.