Target ship en route to PH-US military maneuvers runs aground in Bataan

The Philippine Navy’s former BRP Lake Caliraya. Photo from the PCG

MANILA, Philippines — The decommissioned Philippine Navy ship, which will be used as a mock target in the joint military exercise of American and Filipino soldiers, got stranded off Morong town, Bataan, on Friday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

The PCG reported the ex-BRP Lake Caliraya ran aground near Sitio Crossing at 8 a.m. while being towed towards Zambales for “sinking exercises.”

“According to the three crew members, the motor tanker, which had no stored fuel onboard, ran aground while under tow en route to Subic, Zambales,” it said in a statement.

READ: ‘Biggest ever’ military drill of US, PH marines not meant to provoke other countries

As of this writing, the PCG said its Bataan station personnel are conducting a rescue operation for the three crew members.

The Philippine Marine Corps and United States Marine Corps were supposed to sink the decommissioned motor tanker during the maritime strike 12 nautical miles from San Antonio, Zambales, on Thursday, July 13, but it was canceled due to inclement weather.

READ: US, PH Marines cancel military exercise due to monsoon rains

The canceled activity is part of bilateral drills called Marine Aviation Support Activity (Masa).

In December 2020, the Navy decommissioned BRP Lake Caliraya. The Navy’s first motor tanker was purchased from the Philippine National Oil Company.

RELATED STORY

PH turning into a US military base, lawmaker warns

kga/abc