DAVAO CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard stationed in Davao Oriental is penalizing the owner of M/V GY Bellatrix for causing damage to the coral reef of Cape San Agustin also known as Parola in Barangay Lavigan, Governor Generoso town.
The still undetermined “Hefty sum” representing the penalty, according to the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao “Has to be settled prior to the release notification which will allow the vessel to proceed to its next scheduled stop.”
In a social media post, the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao stated that they conducted “critical” investigation and adjudication about the grounding incident involving M/V GY Bellatrix on May 3 and the result showed that vessel caused damage to the coral reef of the Parola or Cape San Agustin, where the vessel was aground.
The investigation result was presented by the Commander of Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental during the May 8 adjudication meeting attended by the representatives from GY Shipping Lines Inc., including the ship’s captain, Enrico B Dagatan Jr., and personnel from the Maritime Safety and Security Unit of Southeastern Mindanao (MSSU-SEM).
After inspecting the Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection (VSEI), the team has recommended immediate repairs within three months to address the deficiency, alongside the need to equip the vessel with updated navigational charts and nautical publications before it departs for its next port.
The assessment on the damages caused to the coral reef of Cape San Agustin has yet to be determined but the Special Operations Unit (SOU) of this coast guard provided essential support to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and local tourism authorities.
The Coast Guard called on any maritime industry players to ensure all maritime and environmental regulations are adhered to for the safety and preservation of the Region’s rich marine environment.
