Rosario, Cavite: The TM-1900 Barge Carrier, which ran aground during Tropical Storm Enteng, has been successfully removed from the oil company pier in Barangay Wawa 2, Rosario, Cavite.

Key West Shipping Corp., the barge’s owner, orchestrated the removal operation using two tugboats, relocating the vessel to Mariveles, Bataan for temporary shelter.

Resty Esteban, Operations Manager of Key West Shipping Corp., confirmed the barge’s relocation in a statement to Cavite media.

The incident, which occurred at the height of Tropical Storm Enteng’s onslaught, forced nearby residents to evacuate as the sand-laden barge drifted dangerously close to residential areas.

Despite the barge’s removal, authorities are set to hold the company accountable for various damages incurred.

The incident marks the second time in recent months that a Key West Shipping Corp. barge has been involved in a weather-related accident.

On July 22, during Tropical Storm Carina, another of the company’s barges collided with a pier in Tanza, resulting in a civil case currently before the courts.

In a separate incident, a different barge owned by the same company crashed into the F. Manalo Bridge in Pasig after being swept away by strong river currents.

These recurring incidents have raised concerns about the company’s safety protocols and preparedness for extreme weather events.

Local officials are calling for a thorough investigation into Key West Shipping Corp.’s operations and safety measures.