The Navy has removed the fuel, oil, paints, solvents, and personal belongings of the crew of the mine countermeasures ship Guardian, which ran aground Jan. 17. The vessel now still sits on the Tubbahata Reef in the Sulu Sea near the Philippines. According to media reports, the Navy intends to scrap the vessel. The removal operations were taken in an effort to minimize any damage inflicted on the fragile reef. On Jan. 20, 7th Fleet commander Vice Adm. Scott Swift expressed regret over the grounding. “We know the significance of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and its importance as a World Heritage Site. Its protection is vital, and we take seriously our obligations to protect and preserve the maritime environment,” Swift said. Guardian’s crew has returned to the vessel’s home port at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, and will receive new assignments, according to news reports. The Navy is investigating the incident.
