Three barges loaded with molasses were stranded off the coast of Barangay Talisay, Calaca City, Batangas on Saturday. This was due to strong waves and southwesterly winds brought by Tropical Storm Crising. The barges were to be towed by two tugboats but the rope broke while taking shelter in the area.
According to Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla of the Philippine Coast Guard, the 21 crew members are safe. He said the waves and strong winds caused the barges to to run aground.
The barges came from Negros, and were carrying 13 tons of molasses that were supposed to be delivered to a distillery in Balayan. There was a little molasses leaking, but the barges were empty of fuel so it was not dangerous.
Tuvilla explained that the molasses are organic so it is not harmful to the environment. The marine environmental team and local government have also inspected the area to ensure it is safe.
When the weather improves, the rescue operation will begin to tow and remove the stranded barges.
