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The operation to remove MV Belle Rose from where it ran aground in the Visayan Sea has been a success. The operation, which began in difficult weather conditions, took two days to slowly pull the 186-metre bulk carrier free from Monad Shoal off Malaspascua Island at the northern tip of Cebu Island, Philippines.

The priority was to protect the massive coral reef - which is a famous dive spot - during the salvage operations, which were hampered by southwest monsoon (Habagat winds).

The Panama-registered Belle Rose, laden with clinker for cement production, was en route to San Fernando town, southern Cebu, when it cut through a bed of corals 10 metres underwater at 3 a.m. on 13th June. The ship was reportedly trying to avoid fishermen when it ran aground.

Prior to salvage operations beginning, a joint assessment was conducted by hired foreign experts together with personnel from the Philippine Coast Guards (PCG), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro), Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC) and Migo Sa Iho. The assessment recommended that the 29,104-gross-ton vessel be slowly moved backwards to minimise damage to the sensitive marine environment.

Noel Kimmayong, marine superintendent from Malayan Towage and Salvaging Corp., advised after the successful operation that the MV Belle Rose was now floating on waters with a depth of 100 to 200 metres.

"We were able to pull it to almost 100 meters backwards where water was deeper," Kimmayong said.

The salvage company deployed three tugs - two at the rear of the vessel - to pull it back while another was at the bow to maintain balance. The operations started on Saturday during high tide and completed on Monday 20th June.

In addition to pulling back the vessel, Kimmayong said they discharged water from the forward section to lighten the Japanese owned vessel. The vessel will now be inspected for other damage before it is towed to San Fernando.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III has reported that the ship owner is willing to settle the damage caused by the MV Belle Rose amicably. A marine protest will still be pursued, but the Province is open to a compromise settlement to avoid a drawn-out investigation. "I can assure Daanbantayan, especially those from Malapascua, that they will be compensated for the damage brought about by the ship," the governor said.

Second grounding in Philippines

A second vessel, LCT 788 of Seen Sam Shipping, ran aground on 15th June, although the crew managed to refloat the vessel in 30 minutes.

The LCT 788 ran aground near Luisan point in Nueva Caceres, Oslob, Cebu whilst en route from Naga City to Toledo City. The ship, also carrying clinkers, was inspected by the Department of Agriculture (DA) after the grounding and found to be seaworthy. The DA also reported there had been no damage to marine life.

Oil spill

In additional news from the Philippines, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is still waiting for reports before announcing the results of its investigations into a reported oil spill in the tourism area of Moalboal, Cebu.

Director of the EMB, William Cunado, said that samples have been taken from the shoreline of Bas Diot, as well as the Pescadores North, West, South and East stations. Of the five sampling stations, Pescadores North, West and East failed to pass the sampling standard of 1mg/L.

"As per our laboratory analysis dated June 14-15, 2016, the said three sampling stations revealed two mg/L of oil and grease," Cunado said.

However, they are not able to draw conclusions or make recommendation until the consolidated report of the technical team has been fully analysed.