Four vessels, 20 crew members run aground off Zambales due to Typhoon Carina

A dredging vessel ran aground on the Bocao River in Botolan, Zambales as Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon brought severe weather to the region.

Four vessels, including two non-propelled barges named 'PMI 15' and 'IMC 30,' each with four crew members, ran aground near National Grid Corporation of the Philippines power lines on July 24.

Another barge named 'BIG GER' with eight crew members also ran aground off Barangay Natividad in San Narciso town due to rough sea conditions on July 25, while a fourth vessel, 'PMI 12,' with four crew members, grounded in the shallow part of the Bucao River.

All 20 seafarers from these vessels were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and transported for medical checkups despite warnings issued to seek safer areas before the typhoon hit.

The PCG chief noted that taking shelter in the Bocao River was not suitable given the intensity of Typhoon Carina.