Marine casualty Investigation for ferry collision in Philippines

The Philippine Coast Guard Special Board of Marine Inquiry will most likely start with its formal “marine casualty investigation” on the collision between cargo vessel M/V Sulpicio Express Siete and ferry M/V St. Thomas Aquinas 1, the Philippines News Agency (PNA) of Presidential Communication Operation Office reports.

According to the PCG headquarters in Manila, Commodore Gilbert Rueras, chairman of the SMBI, flew to Cebu to gather other members of the board.

Lt. Ronald Pancipane, administrative officer of the PCG-Board of Marine Inquiry, the SBMI will hear all sides involved in the tragedy before presenting its report to the PCG District Office-Cebu which will then forward the same to the Board of Marine Inquiry after review.

Once reviewed, the BMI will then present the findings to PCG Commandant Read Admiral Rodolfo Isorena for final review where he will either adapt the findings or make some modifications.

“The marine casualty investigation is done as a matter of policy-making and not to determine who is liable in a certain sea accident. The criminal cases against those involved in the accident may be filed by the victims’ relatives themselves with the help of any law enforcement agency or the PCG,” Pancipane said.

He said the Maritime Industry Authority, as a regulatory body, is the agency tasked to look into the civil liability of those involved in the accident.

He said the SBMI findings may be also used by the trial courts to enlighten them on the case.

“But even before the SBMI will formally start with the hearing, it is already gathering evidence while its members are here in Manila. What they will do in Cebu is gather the testimonial evidence of witnesses, survivors, crew members, and everyone who may have knowledge in the incident,” he added.

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