Ship runs aground, everybody safe

CEBU, Philippines - The MV Filipinas Ozamis, a Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc.’s vessel, ran aground at around 4:30 in the morning yesterday at the Lipata bank just in front of Cebu City’s South Road Properties.

The vessel was on its way to Pier 1 in Cebu City from Ozamis.

Coastguard District Central and Eastern Visayas public information officer Anelito Gabisan told The FREEMAN yesterday that they are still investigating the reason behind the incident.

As of last night, the crew of the MV Filipina Ozamiz was waiting for the high tide so they could maneuver the ship to Pier 1. Chester Cokaliong, the shipping company’s chief executive officer and chief operating officer, said that all 352 passengers and 45 crew members were already transported to safety as early as 9:00 a.m. yesterday.

MV Filipina Ozamiz could not operate for the meantime until the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) concludes its investigation of the incident.

The vessel will also have to be inspected to determine its seaworthiness.

Marina suspended the vessel’s Passenger Safety Certificate as a standard operating procedure.

Philips Geniston, officer-in-charge of Marina 7, said that they could not inspect the vessel until it docks. Geniston said that the area in Lipata Bank near the South Road Properties, where the vessel ran aground, is a natural shallow portion.

The ship captain has yet to submit a marine protest.

Geniston said they have ordered the ship owner to provide underwater surveyors to determine the damage to the ship’s hull. He added that upon inspection, they will check if the safety management system was followed.

Ships are following the International Safety Management Code to ensure safety at sea and prevent damage to the environment.

The Cokaliong Shipping Lines owns a fleet of eight roll on-roll off passenger vessels and is a multi-awarded company. It recently won three out of four award categories for shipping in the first-ever MASTERS Award given by the Maritime Industry Authority.

Cokaliong’s MV Filipinas Cebu was awarded as 2008 Vessel of the Year in the Region VII for its safety record of not having been involved in any maritime accident and for having a well-maintained vessel. It was also the 2008 Coastwise Domestic Shipping Company of the Year, while the ship captain of MVFilipinas Cebu, Sabiano Fuderanan, received his first-ever award in his 30 years as master mariner as the 2008 Master of the Year.    (FREEMAN NEWS)