Vessel Swept Ashore During Typhoon Uwan
A large cargo vessel ran aground on Caubian Island in Lapu-Lapu City during the early hours of Monday, November 10, 2025, as Super Typhoon Uwan battered the region with powerful winds and storm surges.
The landing craft tank, identified as Golden Star 7, was carried by strong southwest monsoon winds and high tide before crashing into the island's seawall around 4 a.m., according to Caubian Barangay Councilor Kathy Meyers.
Timeline of the Incident and Damage Assessment
Meyers reported that the vessel first began drifting toward the island around 3:30 a.m. and finally made contact with the seawall approximately thirty minutes later. The impact caused visible cracks and partial damage to the coastal protection structure.
"If the seawall had not been constructed, houses along Sitio Sidlakan would have been destroyed," Meyers emphasized, highlighting the critical role the barrier played in protecting the community of approximately 700 families who call Caubian Island home.
Environmental Concerns and Official Response
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia "Cindi" Chan swiftly mobilized multiple agencies in response to the incident. The City Engineering Office was directed to conduct an onsite inspection, while the Maritime Industry Authority and Department of Environment and Natural Resources were instructed to perform damage assessments in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and City Coastal Resource Management Office.
Mayor Chan expressed particular concern about potential environmental damage, noting that Caubian residents rely heavily on nearby fishing grounds for their livelihood. However, initial inspections brought reassuring news.
Philippine Coast Guard personnel confirmed that no oil spill was detected from the beached vessel. Meyers added that the area where the ship ran aground contains no coral formations, only stretches of white sand along the shoreline.
This is not the first time Golden Star 7 has encountered weather-related troubles. The vessel previously drifted between Nasingin Island and near Pandanon, Bohol, during Typhoon Odette in 2021 and had remained stranded in the area until being carried away again by recent weather conditions.
As of press time, officials continue seeking contact information to establish formal communication with the vessel's owner for coordination on removal and liability matters.
