Chinese Vessel Ran Aground in Tubbataha

A 48-meter-long Chinese fishing vessel carrying 12 crew members ran aground at the Tubbataha National Park late Monday, just days after the USS Guardian was removed from the famous marine sanctuary.

The Chinese fishing boat got stuck on the north islet of the Tubbataha reef based on the information relayed by the Naval Forces West. According to Philippine Coastguard spokesman Lt. Commander Armand Balilio, the vessel Min Long Yu ran aground around 11:40 pm.

The Tubbataha Park Management took the 12 crew members of the vessel in for questioning and temporary custody.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Lt. Commander Armand Balilio said the boat is to be extricated from the reef on Tuesday and to be taken to the neighboring province of Palawan. He also said they have information about the boat coming from Fujian, China.

Balilio said they are still investigating illegal entry and possible poaching.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Tubbataha Management Office has alerted the Provincial Committee on Illegal Entrants, referring to the Chinese fishermen on board the boat.

The Chinese embassy based in Manila said they are still waiting for information to confirm if the vessel is Chinese.

Adapted by: Easterlyn Kwan Benigay

Source: philstar.com