Two tug boats, barge stranded in Ilocos coast; 10 crews swim to safety

By Mar T. Supnad

STA. CRUZ, Ilocos Sur -- Battered by strong winds and rains, two tug boats and a barge were stranded off the coast night of July 25 of Barangay Pinipin here while some its crews were able to swim to shoreline for their safety.
    Police report said rescued and are now under quarantine are vessel Capt. Rodnie Escobar, Quarter Master Ruben Flores, Asst. Quarter Master Christopher Dael, Asst. Quarter Master Victor Dacles, Chief Engr. Edgardo Jimeno, Second Engr. Rodel Mondragon, Merlin Solita (Oiler), Doven Bechacitino (Oiler) and two unknown crew on the barge.
    The incident was reported to Sta. Cruz police by barangays chief Casimero Corpuz of Pinipin, informing about the said docked vessel and barge that got stranded and cannot move.
Investigation disclosed 4 p.m. that day, said vessel was sighted pulling a barge with marking “Harbor Star,” at the seashore of     Barangay Paratong of said town heading north.
    Due to strong waves and heavy rain, said vessel could not tow said barge forcing it to dock at said place.
    Said vessel was from the company of Oceanic Home Port Manila and departed from Port Mariveles, Bataan going to Appari, Cagayan.
    Based from statement of occupants who swam to the shore, the said tug boat encountered engine generator trouble making it shut down.
    The eight boat riders were placed at the isolation facility of Pinipin of said town while the others stayed at the boat.