Lite Ferry 5 Grounds Near Jagna Port: 506 Passengers Safely Evacuated

Introduction
On April 19, 2025, the Ro-Pax (roll-on/roll-off passenger) vessel Lite Ferry 5 ran aground approximately 200 meters from Jagna Port on Bohol Island, Philippines. The incident occurred shortly after the ship’s departure for Cagayan de Oro City during low tide. A coordinated rescue operation involving multiple agencies successfully evacuated all 506 passengers, who were safely returned to Jagna Port by the morning of April 20. No injuries were reported, and an initial inspection found no internal hull damage.

Details of the Incident

Grounding Overview:

• The grounding occurred approximately 200 meters from Jagna Port shortly after the vessel departed for Cagayan de Oro City.
• The incident happened during low tide while the ship was maneuvering away from the port.
• A distress call was issued, prompting a swift response from local authorities and rescue teams.

Rescue Operation:

• The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in coordination with the Philippine Navy, Jagna Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bantay Dagat, and local fisherfolk, initiated a rescue operation.
• All 506 passengers were safely evacuated and returned to Jagna Port by the morning of April 20.
• No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

Vessel Status:

• An initial inspection by the PCG found no internal hull damage to the vessel.
• A tugboat from Cebu has been dispatched to refloat the ferry and return it to port for further assessment.

Response and Impact

Coordination and Rescue:

• The multi-agency rescue effort demonstrated effective collaboration between government bodies, local organizations, and community members.
• Local fisherfolk played a critical role in assisting with the evacuation, showcasing the importance of community involvement in maritime emergencies.

Operational Challenges:

• The grounding disrupted travel plans for passengers heading to Cagayan de Oro City, though no long-term delays were reported.
• The incident highlights the risks associated with navigating shallow waters during low tide, particularly near busy ports.

Broader Implications:

• The grounding underscores the need for improved navigation systems and real-time tidal monitoring to prevent similar incidents.
• Lite Shipping Corporation may face scrutiny over its operational procedures, particularly regarding departure protocols during challenging tidal conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ro-Pax vessel *Lite Ferry 5* ran aground near Jagna Port on Bohol Island on April 19, 2025, shortly after departing for Cagayan de Oro City.
• All 506 passengers were safely evacuated and returned to Jagna Port by the morning of April 20; no injuries were reported.
• An initial inspection found no internal hull damage, and a tugboat from Cebu has been dispatched to refloat the vessel.
• The incident highlights the risks of navigating shallow waters during low tide and the importance of multi-agency coordination in emergencies.
• Lite Shipping Corporation operates a fleet of 28 vessels serving routes across the Visayas and Mindanao regions.