19 crew members rescued as passenger-cargo vessel runs aground off Zamboanga City

A PASSENGER-cargo vessel ran aground off the coastal waters in Brgy. Rio Hondo in Zamboanga City on Friday, July 12, prompting the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to conduct a search and rescue operation.

Fortunately, the PCG said that all 19 crew members of “Ciara Joie 1” were rescued, averting a potential disaster.

A report from the PCG said that the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao received a distress call about Ciara Joie 1 hitting shallow waters off Rio Hondo due to strong waves.

Search and rescue teams were dispatched to the location of the passenger-cargo vessel.

“This District is pleased to report that all individuals aboard Ciara Joie 1 have been safely accounted for and are receiving necessary care in the facility of Coast Guard Special Operation Unit,” the PCG District Southwestern Mindanao said.

The PCG said that the vessel was being monitored and an underwater investigation was launched to determine any possible oil spill. 

“Our teams remain vigilant in monitoring the area for any environmental impact and have advised the vessel’s captain to take appropriate actions,” the PCG said.