The RV Philippine Siren II has been successfully removed from a coral reef at Bird Islet in the North Atoll of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and is now being towed to Puerto Princesa City after days of salvage operations, according to the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO).
The vessel was refloated Saturday morning, June 20, after underwater inspection and repair work conducted by a salvage team that arrived in the park on June 19. It was later secured and towed out of the protected marine area on Sunday evening.
“At 6:10 p.m. Sunday, the vessel was towed to Puerto Princesa by the salvage vessel,” the TMO said, adding that it is expected to arrive at around noon Monday.
The Philippine Coast Guard vessel MRRV 4411 is escorting the towing operation as precautionary support.
Salvors earlier reported multiple hull damage, including cracks and holes, with parts of the vessel initially grounded on coral. The salvage operation focused on temporary patching, dewatering, pollution prevention, and controlled refloating to limit further damage to the reef system.
“Tubbataha marine park rangers continue to document the incident and assess damage to the reef,” the TMO said, noting that further inspections will be conducted once the vessel reaches port.
The diving yacht, measuring 173 gross tons, ran aground at about 2:00 a.m. on June 14 at Bird Islet. Initial reports indicated that strong wind gusts associated with a squall contributed to the grounding incident.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park remains one of the Philippines’ most strictly protected marine areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its high biodiversity and coral reef ecosystems.
