The Coast Guard in Negros Oriental has discovered that at least 26 yachts in Tambobo Bay in Siaton town were “undocumented” and whose owners could not be located, an official said Thursday, Feb. 26.
Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental commander, said that the discovery came after an inventory of yachts and similar privately-owned sea vessels in the bay this week.
The Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) were doing the inventory as requested by Siaton Mayor Albert Ator to determine their current state and status, she said.
Some of the yachts have remained in the bay for months without departing and have been left unattended.
Six yachts were already submerged and needed to be salvaged, while authorities were also investigating a shipyard in Tambobo Bay that does not have a permit from the MARINA, she added.
“The mayor’s urgent call is to locate the owners or the caretakers of the ‘undocumented’ yachts and to summon them for a conference,” Enopia said.
So far, only 20 yachts have been listed as having the necessary permits, with their owners/caretakers already identified.
The Coast Guard is also coordinating with the Bureau of Customs regarding papers and other documentation of these yachts as the agency has authority over the entry, importation, and payment of proper duties and taxes for foreign yachts, Enopia said.
The mayor has warned that undocumented yachts may be ordered removed from Tambobo Bay unless their owners/caretakers comply with the requirements within a specified period.
Enopia said they will submit a full report of their inventory to the Siaton mayor by Friday or Monday.*
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