2 of 47 lost shipping containers recovered off Batangas

MANILA, Philippines — A week after 47 empty shipping containers fell into the waters off Batangas, only two have been recovered so far, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported yesterday. The containers, which fell from motor vessel Span Asia 39, were found along the coast of Barangay Papaya and at the Subli Cove in Nasugbu on Sept. 3 and 4. If not recovered, the shipping containers can pose hazard to navigation, PCG spokesperson Cmdre. Noemie Cayabyab said. “The containers may have been submerged in seawater. If the current is strong, they might resurface,” Cayabyab said. She said once the containers resurface, these could be hit by passing vessels, causing damage to the hulls. The PCG-District Southern Tagalog reported that the Span Asia 39 was carrying 332 filled and empty shipping containers when it departed the Davao International Container Terminal in Panabo, Davao del Norte for the North Harbor in Manila. The PCG has advised vessels to be on the lookout for containers that might bob up along their path. Background As an archipelago nation with thousands of islands, maritime transport is crucial for the Philippines' economy. However, incidents at sea and cargo spills remain a challenge. The falling of containers, in particular, poses a threat to marine pollution and navigational safety, necessitating prompt action. This incident highlights the vulnerability of maritime logistics across the Philippines' vast coastlines.