Collision between a fishing vessel and a SuperFerry passenger vessel – 8 people dead
Maritime authorities will start investigating this week the collision between a fishing vessel and a SuperFerry passenger vessel that killed at least one person off Sarangani on Friday last week.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the first hearing is scheduled at the Maritime Industry Authority office in Manila this Friday.
It hinted that some deck officers of the SuperFerry ship – those on safekeeping duty at the time of the accident – may face charges.
The PCG said the Seafarer’s Identification Record Book (SIRB) and Qualification Document Certificates (QDC) of the Superferry 20 crewmembers who were on safekeeping duties at the time of the collision were temporarily lifted until the ship reaches Manila.
SuperFerry 20 collided with the fishing banca “San Jose Bayanihan” at 1:00 a.m. last Friday, off Siguil in Tinoto in, Maasim, Sarangani.
Those on safekeeping duties at the time of the incident included deck officers Captain Candido Rasonabe, Chief Officer Benjamin Damuag, 2nd officer Galileo Valendez, Auxiliary 2nd Officer Efren Tomo, Able Seaman Francis Neil Pagota and Apprentice Mate Jaime Dela Cruz.
“(Upon arrival in Manila), the deck officers shall continue to be suspended until after they have effectively undergone rigid trainings on Collision Regulation (COLREG) and Standards of Training Certification and Watch Keeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention Regulation 11/1.4. Appropriate charges shall also be filed against them,” the Coast Guard said.
The initial investigation showed MV Superferry 20, skippered by Captain Candido Rasonabe, had 542 passengers onboard at the time of the incident.
SuperFerry 20 departed Makar Wharf at around 11:45 p.m. last Thursday and was supposedly enroute to Manila via Zamboanga City.
The fishing banca “San Jose Bayanihan,” on the other hand, came from General Santos City and was navigating towards Balot Island.
Killed in the collision was Giovanni Buntong, 60. The boat skippered by Captain Jonito Mendoza was totally wrecked and eventually sank.
Source: GMA News