DAVAO CITY —The Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental said there is nothing to worry as a cargo vessel M/V GY Ella Trix ran aground off the waters of Barangay Lavigan, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental on May 3.
Ella Trix, of GY Shipping Lines Inc. was under the command of Captain Enrico B Dagatan Jr., when it ran aground at approximately 01:00 AM on May 3, 2024. The incident occurred near Barangay Lavigan, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
The Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental, along with the Marine Environmental Protection Unit – Southeastern Mindanao and other response teams, were swiftly dispatched to the site to assess the situation. Initial inspections confirmed that there was no oil spill observed around the vessel.
However, reports indicated saltwater contamination in the vessel’s center fuel oil tank and bilges, estimated at a rate of 2500 liters per hour.
Efforts to mitigate environmental damage began immediately, with the deployment of a 95-meter spill boom by the MEPU-SEM and Special Operations Group – Southeastern Mindanao (SOG-SEM) to contain any potential spillage. The vessel is scheduled to be extracted and towed to the Sta Ana anchorage area, Davao City for final inspection and further evaluation.
Ms. Annie D Patricio, Human Resource Manager for GY Shipping Lines Inc., and Captain Dagatan have coordinated closely with CGDSEM and other agencies to facilitate recovery operations. The operation to extract and tow the MV GY Bella Trix is managed by Mr. Ronald Gonzaga, Safety Officer at GY Shipping Lines Inc., in collaboration with Harbor Star.
This incident underscores the risks associated with maritime navigation and the critical importance of prompt response and coordination in preventing environmental disasters. Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as further information becomes available.
