All Passengers Rescued After Ferry Grounding off Occidental Mindoro – April 5, 2026

Introduction
All passengers and crew were safely evacuated after the Ro-Pax ferry Our Lady of Fatima 03 ran aground off the coast of Occidental Mindoro, Philippines, on April 5, 2026. The response was coordinated by the Philippine Coast Guard with assistance from a nearby vessel.

Details of the Incident

Grounding Event:

• The ferry departed Tilik Port bound for Nasugbu, Batangas.
• The vessel ran aground approximately 670 metres from the shoreline shortly after 07:45 a.m. local time.
• Weather and sea conditions were reported as calm to moderate at the time.

Passengers and Crew:

• The vessel was carrying 162 passengers and 8 crew members.
• No cargo was onboard at the time of the incident.

Rescue Operation:

• The Philippine Coast Guard coordinated evacuation efforts.
• Passengers were transferred to the assisting vessel Princess Christine II.
• All evacuees were transported back to Tilik Port, with disembarkation completed by approximately 09:20 a.m.

Injuries and Environmental Impact:

• No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
• No oil discharge or marine pollution was observed.
• The vessel carried approximately 250 litres of diesel and 45 litres of lubricating oil.

Preliminary Cause:

• Initial information from the vessel’s captain suggested the grounding may have been related to shallow conditions during low tide over a rocky seabed.

Investigation and Vessel Status:

• The vessel’s master was instructed to file a marine protest.
• An underwater inspection of the hull was planned to assess potential structural damage.
• The Philippine Coast Guard has initiated a formal investigation into the incident.