The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has responded to an incident involving the MY Philippine Siren 2, which is reported to have grounded in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan.
According to a PCG statement, the authorities were alerted to the incident at approximately 5am on Sunday, 14 June. A total of 28 people are reported to have been on board, however, all are said to be safe, and the passengers safely evacuated.
According to PCG Spokesperson, Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, Philippine Siren 2 ran aground after encountering a sudden squall while ‘moored to an anchored buoy approximately 7.2 nautical miles northeast of Tubbataha Reef’.
Cayabyab added that the liveaboard departed Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, on 10 June for a scuba diving itinerary covering the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
‘A total of 28 persons were on board, consisting of 14 divers and 14 Filipino crew members,’ said Cyabyab. ‘The divers were composed of nine American nationals, three German nationals, and two Filipino nationals.
‘All 28 persons on board were reported safe, following the incident,’ she added. ‘The 14 divers and four crew members were transferred to the nearby motor yacht, MY Resolute, and were reported to be in good physical condition.
‘MY Resolute is expected to arrive in Puerto Princesa City at around 8 pm today.’
Commodore Cayabyab said the response team proceeded to the area aboard a Ranger Station patrol boat to assess the situation and render assistance.
Ten crew members reportedly remained on board the stranded liveaboard to ‘support environmental protection efforts’. Cayabyab noted that no oil spill or signs of marine pollution have been observed leaking from the liveaboard.
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