World · Philippines Bureau
Tugboat sinks off Zambales coast after running aground
The SUAL 1, a tugboat operated by SMC Shipping and Lighterage Corp., has sunk in waters off Botolan town following its grounding. The vessel went down in the Bucao River area in Barangay Bangan early Monday after being battered by strong waves.
LSN Philippines ·
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — A commercial tugboat has sunk off the Zambales coast after initially running aground in the Bucao River, the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed Monday. The SUAL 1, operated by SMC Shipping and Lighterage Corp., submerged in waters near Barangay Bangan in Botolan town after heavy seas overtook the grounded vessel.
The tugboat's sinking represents the latest incident involving a commercial vessel in Philippine waters. The Philippine Coast Guard, which documented the submersion, did not immediately provide details on the circumstances leading to the initial grounding or whether the vessel was carrying cargo at the time.
Authorities have not reported any immediate threats to the marine environment or coastal communities in the area. The extent of recovery efforts and salvage operations, if any, remained unclear as of Monday morning.