3 barges laden with molasses run aground in Batangas

Three barges laden with molasses ran aground near Barangay Talisay in Calaca City, Batangas last Saturday due to bad weather caused by Tropical Storm Crising.

All 21 crew members were safely rescued and accounted for after the incident on July 19.

The grounded vessels are Barge EE Margarette with 1,772.200 metric tons of molasses, Barge Amazon River with 1,567.346 metric tons, and Barge Yangtze River with 1,462.219 metric tons.

A minor leak was observed on the port quarter of Barge EE Margarette after it sustained hull damage from contact with another barge, but the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assured that there is no immediate threat to marine life or public safety.

Efforts are underway to coordinate with local authorities and vessel owners for refloating and removal of the barges once weather conditions improve.

The PCG reminded the community that molasses is an organic substance expected to dissipate naturally without significant environmental impact.