The cargo vessel seen anchored a few kilometers off Tubli, Caramoran last week was not a Chinese ship but based in Brazil and had a crew of Turkish nationality.
M/V Neva has already reached its destination of Ningde, China last Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, several days after it dropped anchor in the sea about 2.4 nautical miles off Carramoran last Jan. 27 due to adverse weather conditions.
In a press release, the Coast Guard District Bicol said it monitored and assisted the foreign vessel, a bulk carrier registered under Bay Shipping and Trading Inc. of the Marshall Islands and carries its flag.
At 1 AM of Jan. 28, PCG personnel accompanied by local authorities, using a motorized banca, went to the vessel, established communications and confirmed from the crew their intention to remain anchored until conditions improved.
“The vessel initially intended to proceed on an eastward course but changed direction to westward, as this was determined to be the safest route to continue their voyage to Ningde, China,” the report said.
In the early morning of Jan. 29, the vessel departed and was last monitored by the PCG to be in the vicinity of Rapu-Rapu island and Matnog, Sorsogon.
With an overall length of 176.82 meters and a width of 29.4 meters, the 19,728-gross ton M/V Neva was built in Tokyo in 2000.
Prior to its sheltering off Catanduanes, its last port of call was Ambon, Indonesia and traveled at a cruising speed of 9.4 knots.
According to marine traffic websites, it was formerly named Boka in 2018 and Lavieen Rose in 2013. Its top two officers – the Master and the Chief Officer – earn salaries of US$11,200 and US$6,500 per month, respectively.