LABASON, Zamboanga del Norte — A foreign vessel identified as Crane Ship Isabel Fo 1 was stranded off the waters of Labason for several days, sparking concern and speculation among residents.
On the morning of September 8, 2025, under the directive of Mayor Jelster Ed T. Quimbo, personnel from the Zamboanga del Norte Maritime Police Unit and the Labason Municipal Police Station boarded the vessel to verify its presence and condition.
The ship’s captain, Anwen Hu, explained that the Panama-flagged vessel, manned by Chinese nationals, departed from Zhoushan, China en route to the Solomon Islands. However, the crew was forced to halt their journey after the ship’s steering gear electronic control board—an essential component for navigation—malfunctioned.
Authorities confirmed that repairs are already underway and that the crew has coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard, both in Manila and its regional unit in Zamboanga City. Emergency hotline numbers were also provided to the ship’s officers and crew to ensure swift communication should they require further assistance.
The crew expressed gratitude for the support extended by local authorities and assured compliance with all Philippine laws and regulations while within the country’s waters. Police personnel returned to their station the same day with complete documentation of the ship, its officers, and crew, including names, nationalities, and travel papers.
Officials also addressed the spread of false information regarding the vessel, urging the public to avoid circulating unverified claims. Residents seeking accurate details about the ship have been advised to coordinate only with authorized government agencies.
For official inquiries, the Labason Municipal Police Station may be contacted 24/7 via hotline number 0905-720-4220 or through its official social media page.