Two Chinese foreign vessels ran aground in the waters off Barangay Victoria in Currimao, Ilocos Norte.
According to Lt. Joseph Christian Sagun, Provincial Commander of the Coast Guard in Ilocos Norte, the ships Panphil8 and MV Aries both originated from China.
Lt. Sagun said the incident began around midnight when personnel from the Provincial Office noticed Panphil8 slowly running aground and contacted the crew, who explained that they had dragged anchor due to strong winds and waves caused by Typhoon Marce.
While trying to reposition to a safer area, MV Aries experienced engine failure and also ran aground.
Lt. Sagun confirmed that no oil spill or damage occurred on either ship when they were inspected the following morning.
He added that the vessels were in the province to change their registration to the Philippine Registry.
Panphil8 arrived on Monday, while MV Aries had been stationed in the province for five months.
Lt. Sagun mentioned they are awaiting coordination from agents of the two ships to finalize plans for removing the vessels from the area.
All 15 crew members of Panphil8 and 10 crew members of MV Aries are safe.