A Vietnamese cargoship has lodged on an artificial reef in the southern Philippines.
Radio Free Asia reported that the 5,400-dwt HTK Energy (built 2007) grounded in Sarangani Bay on 18 June, damaging more than 200 artificial reefs built as a habitat for fish.
The ship was carrying rice when it got stuck, according to Omar Saikol, assistant superintendent of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, a government body that protects the marine environment.
Divers are checking the extent of damage.
“There is an ongoing investigation. We’re getting video footage of the damage to facilitate the proper assessment and imposition of possible penalties or fines,” Saikol told reporters in General Santos City.
The reefs are located 20 metres from shore.
The ship is operated by HTK Shipping & Import Export of Vietnam.
