SAN JOSE, Antique – Three crew members of the grounded cargo vessel MV Gemini got financial aid from the provincial government here.
Gov. Rhodora Cadiao, who led the distribution of Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation, said the provincial government extends its help to people who need it.
“We are extending our help to the crew members of MV Gemini who are stranded in our shore,” Cadiao added.
The 77 crewmembers, residents of Cebu and La Union, onboard the cargo vessel left Mindoro last April 2 to supposedly deliver 24,500 sacks of salt to their concessionaires in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and Tagbilaran, Bohol.
While at the vicinity of Barangay Magcalon here, the vessel ran aground on April 3 due to the seawater that entered their boat.
“Our vessel still remains about 150 meters away from the shoreline of Barangay Magcalon waiting for a tugboat to be sent by our shipping company,” crewman Carlos Lumapas said, adding that the P5,900 given to them could be of help to buy food considering the food allowance from their company was delayed.
Lumapas said the salt they were supposed to transport had melted.
He added their company, based in Cebu City, informed them it was applying for a special permit to navigate with the Maritime Industry Authority.
“Only the three of us crewmembers have remained to assist the tugboat hopefully within this month,” Lumapas said.(With a report from PNA/PN)
