Incident Occurs During Evening Approach

The MV Weesam Express 7 ran aground near the south entrance of the Mactan Channel off Cordova town, Cebu, around 6:40 p.m. Thursday. The fastcraft was carrying 197 passengers and 13 crew members when it struck shallow waters while attempting to navigate the busy shipping lane.

Coast Guard authorities received the distress report and immediately dispatched response teams to the area. Cmdr. Armand Balilo confirmed the incident and stated that no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.

Vessel Details and Route

The MV Weesam Express 7 is a high-speed craft operated by a local shipping company. The vessel was en route to its destination when the grounding occurred near a critical junction in the channel that connects the Camotes Sea to the Cebu Strait.

Maritime officials noted that the Mactan Channel is a challenging waterway, particularly during evening hours when visibility decreases significantly.

Rescue Operations Underway

All passengers and crew were evacuated safely from the vessel. The Asian Publishing Foundation Corporation (APFC), the vessel's operator, confirmed that passengers and rolling cargoes disembarked safely in the early afternoon following the incident.

APFC stated that management was in full coordination with maritime authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of all those aboard.

Coast Guard Investigation Launched

The Philippine Coast Guard has opened an investigation to determine the exact cause of the grounding. Initial assessments suggest the vessel may have encountered unexpected shallow areas while navigating the channel.

Inspectors will examine the vessel's navigation equipment, the captain's decisions, and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident.

Maritime Safety Concerns

This incident raises questions about navigation protocols for fastcraft operating in congested shipping channels. The Mactan Channel sees heavy traffic from cargo vessels, passenger ferries, and fishing boats daily.

Authorities are reviewing whether additional navigational aids or pilot requirements should be implemented for high-speed vessels transiting the area.

No Injuries Reported

Fortunately, the grounding did not result in any injuries or oil spills. The vessel remained intact, preventing potential environmental damage to the sensitive marine ecosystem around Mactan Island.

Passengers were provided with assistance and alternative transportation arrangements by the shipping company.

Company Responds to Incident

APFC management expressed relief that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. The company pledged full cooperation with the Coast Guard investigation and committed to reviewing its safety procedures.

Representatives met with affected passengers to address concerns and provide information about compensation for disrupted travel plans.

Passenger Welfare Assured

The shipping company arranged temporary shelter and meals for stranded passengers while alternative transportation was arranged. Most passengers were able to continue their journeys by late evening.

APFC stated it would conduct a thorough review of the incident and implement necessary changes to prevent similar occurrences.

Ongoing Maritime Monitoring

Coast Guard units remained stationed at the grounding site to monitor the situation and coordinate salvage operations. The vessel's removal from the channel was expected to proceed without significant disruption to other maritime traffic.

Authorities reminded vessel operators to exercise extreme caution when navigating through narrow channels, especially during low-light conditions.