Cargo Vessel Runs Aground off Batangas, Damages Reef

A cargo vessel carrying plywood ran aground off Calatagan, Batangas Sunday morning, damaging a large coral reef.

The local coast guard reports that the 1,454 gross-ton MV HAMMER 1 ran aground around 2 a.m. Sunday due to human error. Reports say the ships captain failed to set the global positioning system properly, causing the vessel to run aground on the reef.

The vessel, which remains grounded, was investigated early Monday morning, revealing a two meter in diameter crack in its starboard side and a four foot crack on its port bow.

No oil has been spotted, however the PCG Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM) has arrived on scene to monitor for oil.

Scientist say an underwater examination of the reef revealed 15,000 square meters of damage.

Batangas is a province in Luzon's Southern Tagalog region, located south of Manila.