SORSOGON CITY — A non-propelled cargo ship identified as Barge Claudia owned by Pherwin Shipping Company ran aground in the vicinity of Barangay Bucal-bucalan Sorsogon City on October 21 this year according to the report of Coastguard Station Sorsogon Commander CDR Brummel Magalong.
As a non-propelled barge Claudia has no engine and loaded with coal or “uling.” Its port of origin was in Semirara Antique bound to the Port of Castilla. The heavy rain cause by TC Kristine partially flip on its side that cause its grounding at Castilla waters.
Subsequent battering from Typhoon Leon Barge Claudia was later seen in Sorsogon Bay at Barangay Bucal-bucalan.
Cursory inspection of the vessel by combined elements from Coastguard Sub-stations of Talisay and Castilla joined by Coastguard Marine Environment Protection Unit, DENR and DSWD to ensure that problems associated with vessels running aground are identified. Initially a black strip around 50O meters was identified as seepage of coal or charcoal from the barge. No oil spill was recorded.
The shipping company assured authorities that a salvage operation will be undertaken in mind the safety protocol to protect the environmental waters of Sorsogon Bay.