Survey

KIAMBA, Sarangani (July 12, 2011) – Experts assess the damage caused by MV Double Prosperity to Bacud Reef during the May 20 survey. To use the restoration approach considering the large area (2,844 square meters) damaged by the ship as it ran aground in Bacud Reef on May 8, experts used the rate of P15,000/sq. m.. With an area of 2,844 sq. m., the total value is P42,660,000. Damage due to ship grounding has tremendous effect with the overall ecological integrity of the area. Next generations of fish population and other invertebrates will surely be affected. However, experts of the provincial government have conducted a second survey of Bacud Reef on June 21-24 and found out that from the damage of more or less 2,844 sq. m., the area damaged is now more or less 8,000 sq.m.. The vast new damage is attributed to the salvage operations of the towage company because instead of merely pulling the vessel out, they moved the boat on all directions until they dragged it to the deeper portion of the reef, which caused more damage to the area of the reef. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)