MV Virgen de Peñafrancia II Lists to Its Side Near Real Port, Quezon; All 40 Passengers and 18 Crew Members Rescued
A roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel tilted to its side just a few meters from the port in Real, Quezon, early Friday, but all 58 people on board were safely rescued.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the MV Virgen de Peñafrancia II listed to its right side around 10 meters away from Real Port in Barangay Ungos, Real, Quezon, at around 12:44 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, as reported by GMA News. The vessel, operated by Starhorse Shipping Lines Inc., came from Polillo Port and was carrying 14 rolling cargoes.
Coast Guard personnel rescued 40 passengers, including two babies, and 18 crew members. The rescue operation ended at around 3:30 a.m.
Based on the initial investigation of Coast Guard Northern Quezon, the ship’s captain said the rope securing the vessel to the pier snapped due to a strong water current. The bow then drifted about 10 meters away from the port. The vessel reportedly tried to maneuver back, but its bow ran aground before it tilted onto its starboard side, ABS-CBN News reported.
Local disaster officials said four people sustained minor injuries, according to Totoong Balita Southern Tagalog. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), for its part, said three passengers who stayed inside a vehicle on board were hit by a drum that shifted during the incident. They were brought to a medical facility and were reported to be in stable condition.
The vessel had 1,300 liters of marine diesel oil in its service tank. While the oil naturally dissipates, the PCG deployed oil spill booms to protect the coastal community.
“We have directed the shipping company to apply for an Emergency Salvage Permit and undertake measures to safely remove the distressed vessel,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said.
Following the incident, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the suspension of the vessel’s Passenger Ship Safety Certificate. In a statement, MARINA said the ship is barred from operating until further notice while marine casualty investigators look into its condition, mooring arrangements, stability and cargo-securing measures.
MARINA stressed that the cause of the incident has yet to be conclusively established. Starhorse Shipping Lines said it has been cooperating with the PCG since the incident.
The incident happened as millions of Filipinos travel to the provinces for the long Undas weekend.
READ ALSO: Undas 2026: 13 Essential Items to Bring When Visiting the Cemetery
