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Introduction
On November 11, 2024, the Philippine inter-island ferry Maria Oliva ran aground near Romblon Port. The Philippine Coast Guard successfully evacuated all passengers, with no injuries reported. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the grounding.
Details of the Incident
The Maria Oliva, a RoPax ferry built in 1973, was operating a 6-hour route through the Romblon region in the central Philippines. With 156 passengers, 38 crew members, and 26 trucks onboard, the vessel grounded near Romblon Port.
The Philippine Coast Guard, along with the provincial government and municipal disaster risk reduction and management office, coordinated a swift evacuation effort. Passengers were safely transferred to Romblon Port using rigid hull inflatable boats and speedboats. A dialysis patient and their companion remained onboard to maintain access to medical equipment.
Operational Context
The Coast Guard reported no signs of oil leakage or flooding from the vessel. Maria Oliva remains under surveillance as authorities consider plans for refloating the ferry. The incident highlights the potential for navigational challenges in the Romblon region and the importance of effective inter-agency cooperation in maritime emergencies.