A CARGO vessel carrying coal rammed a private pier in Toledo City while maneuvering to dock yesterday afternoon.
No one was reported hurt among the ship’s nine officers and 13 crewmen.
The impact ruined about 10 meters of the concrete pier and dented the bow of the mv Sycamore Global-1, said Cebu Coast
Guard (CG) Chief Elpidio Gunio yesterday.
The ship, which belongs to the Manila-based Oro Phil Shipping International Corp. Inc., reportedly drifted out of control and headed straight for the edge of the pier at 4 p.m., the Coast Guard said.
It was not clear yet at press time if human error or a strong current and wind off the pier area caused the accident.
Investigation
The mv Sycamore Global-1 left Semirara Island, Antique carrying 17,589.476 metric tons of coal for the Toledo power plant. The coal remained intact in the vessel’s cargo hold after the accident.
Gunio immediately ordered the CG detachment in Toledo City to investigate and Capt. Cirilo Samson, the ship’s captain, to submit his marine protest within 24 hours.
The marine protest contains detailed information of every maritime incident.
In a press statement, corporate communications officer Mae Melchor of the Cebu Energy Development Corp. (CEDC) confirmed the company hired the vessel to unload coal for its operations.
“The incident is under investigation but CEDC assures the public this will not affect the generation and delivery of electric power to the Cebuanos, because the new pier of CEDC continues to accept coal deliveries for the two power plants,” Melchor said.
An initial investigation by Oro Phil Management said the vessel damaged the pier, knocking down six columns, but the vessel sustained only surface damage.
No coal was spilled.
International surveyors, including a team of divers, will investigate further today.
Toledo City Mayor Arlene Zambo was in Manila when informed about the accident. (With PR)