USS Guardian, Navy minesweeper grounded on Philippine reef, taking on water

In this photo released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (WESCOM), the USS Guardian is hit by a wave, Jan. 19, 2013 after running aground off Tubbataha Reef, a World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea, 400 miles southwest of Manila, Philippines. / AP

Manila A U.S. Navy minesweeper that ran aground on a Philippine reef is damaged and taking on water and will have to be lifted off the rocks in an operation that could last another week or two, a Navy official said Thursday.

Before the USS Guardian can be removed from the Tubbataha Reef, about 56,000 liters (15,000 gallons) of fuel will be siphoned off to avoid spills, Rear Adm. Thomas Carney, commander of the Navy's Logistics Group in the Western Pacific, told reporters.

The ship, which is based in Japan, crashed into the reef before dawn Jan. 17 while on its way to Indonesia after making a rest and refueling stop in Subic Bay, a former American naval base west of Manila.

All of its 79 officers and crew were transferred to two other U.S. vessels the following day for safety reasons as the 68-meter (74-yard) long, 1,300-ton ship was unable to maneuver on its own and buffeted by strong winds and waves.

Carney said the ship is hard aground about 30 meters (yards) from the edge of the reef, a marine sanctuary that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"It's got hull penetration in several places, and there is a significant amount of water inside the ship right now," he said.

Philippine coast guard chief Rear Adm. Rodolfo Isorena said efforts to remove the fuel have been hampered by the rough waters and another attempt will be made Thursday.

Carney said heavy items aboard the ship will be taken off to lighten it before the vessel is loaded on another ship or barge.

He said the operation could last a week or two.

"I want to express my deepest regret for the circumstances that we are all in right now," Carney said.

He said an investigation will look into all the factors that may have led to the grounding, including a reported faulty digital chart, sea conditions, weather and the state of the ship's navigational equipment.

The Philippine government said it wants to fine the Navy for the damage and illegal entry into the marine sanctuary.

Angelique Songco, head of the Protected Areas Management Board, which is in charge of the reef, said the government imposes a fine of about $300 per square meter (yard) of damaged coral plus about the same amount for rehabilitation and other violations.

Carney said that after the ship is removed, the damage to the reef would be assessed and the two governments, which have close military and political ties, will discuss any claims.

[aintfakin]

more reason to impeach Obama
he knew the ship was going to run aground
just ask him
he will lie about it

[ralphing]

How did this go from a ship getting stuck but there was no damage to the ship or crew, to a ship that is now sinking?

[commentusmaximus]

I'm glad it ran aground. I'm an American, but I know how our military sometimes act all cocky and arrogant when in another country. We usually ignore other countries' laws, especially the poorer ones. According to reports, the Tubbataha marine park office radioed the ship because it illegaly entered protected area for marine life, an area that was off-limits to ships, the USS Guardian ignored them and radioed back "Take it up with the US Embassy." And then it ran aground. Serves the captain right. I just hope it doesn't damage the pristine waters and marine life in that part of Southeast Asia.

[raymailhot]

Wishing the worse for the American military while declaring your patriotic leanings? Let me guess, you're a liberal!

[DEG87]

As both an American and a Past USS Guardian Sailor (2007-2010)I have to ask how you can say you glad she ran aground the situation could be much worse but I'm sure it wouldn't bother you? Fortunately none of My shipmates were injured perhaps your not familiar with the region nor the procedures the US Navy has for its ships movement. You state that the ship ignored radio calls prior to running aground. Which to my knowledge is not the case In fact local park rangers were not aware of the grounding until about 4 am a good hour and a half after the grounding. Furthermore any transit through a country's territorial waters must be approved by the country in whose waters will be transited, Which it was. The ship followed standard security protocol in that the radio calls made to the ship by park rangers were made AFTER the grounding and they were to board the ship to ***** the damage to the reef. Good on the captain for referring them to the embassy I sure as hell would not let foreign authorities to board my vessel when her security and safety is compromised in a situation like a grounding . The Philippines host known Al Queda terrorist cells and the country is critical to security in the region. Perhaps you may consider doing some research into the navy's policies as well as consider the sources your getting your information from. Regardless of the in accuracy in the Digital charts that has been discovered, Based on my professional knowledge and personal experience in the operating procedures on board guardian I do believe there is some sort negligence on members of the crew that were on watch at the time whom the captain is ultimately responsible for but that is not for you or I to decide the navy will investigate and make the final decision. SO why don't you put your pitch fork back in the shed for now.

[jeffkro]

Ouch, that can't be good for the career.

[littleredtop]

Of course the corrupt Philippine government sees this as a revenue generating opportunity.

[38hazle38]

Are you talking about the one the US put in place?????

[radicalPinay]

To Littleredtop, how quick are you to judge the Philippine government. Your ignorance prevents you to see is that this incident was caused by disrespect of the USS Guardian officals to the lowly local park rangers. They were warned of getting to close to the reef and that they shouldn't even be there. But the warship crew ignored and told the locals to go talk to the US Embassy. They think they are above everything! And yes, corrupt or not (yeah like US doesn't have red tape in its system), the Philippines deserves to be appeased with both money and respect! Whatever amount is rendered will never replace what has been destroyed at least in this lifetime.

[bobnjersey]

[A U.S. Navy minesweeper that ran aground on a Philippine reef is damaged and taking on water ...]
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did they find any mines on the reef?

[raymailhot]

Still looking!

[w_roos]

Ooops.

[Martha12345]

The solution is simple. Call in the US Coast Guard to rescue this Naval Vessel. Here's a case where you need real mariners.

[ehfd6]

And you're going to find them in an agency that becomes subseriant to the USN in wartime?