A roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) vessel carrying 129 passengers and crew members tilted and ran aground off the shoreline of Banton, Romblon on Sunday, July 16. According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), MV Maria Helena left Lucena Port in Lucena City, Quezon Province bound for San Agustin Port in Tablas, Romblon when it listed at approximately 100 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Nasunugan around 1 a.m. Onboard the vessel were 93 passengers and 36 crew members, as well as 16 rolling cargoes including motorcycles.

Sadongdong, M. (2023, July 17). 129 rescued from Ro-ro vessel that tilted, ran aground off Romblon. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 4.