Marina grounds vessel after Talisay sea collision

CEBU, Philippines - Following Thursday’s sea collision, the Maritime Industry Authority grounded MV General Romulo after it was found out during inspection that the vessel is unworthy for sea travel.

MARINA-7 suspended the certificate of sea worthiness of MV General Romulo after it was found that the vessel’s engine was damaged by the accident. The vessel is currently anchored at pier 5.

In an interview, Philippine Coast Guard Cebu Station Chief Commander Rolando Punzalan said that MV General Romulo’s skipper Bonifacio Tan personally handed their marine protest to the PCG 3 a.m. Friday.  

In their marine protest, MV General Romulo said they were able to communicate with MV SuperFerry 2 three times to set their respected course.

MV SuperFerry 2 allegedly failed to follow their agreement which resulted to the collision.

But in its marine protest, MV SuperFerry 2 stated that it’s very hard for them to change course in such short notice and distance. It said the collision was an accident.

The Marine Board of Inquiry (MBI) headed by Commander Amelito Gabisan, deputy commander and spokesperson of the Coast Guard District Central and Eastern Visayas is set to meet next week with the captains of MV General Romulo and MV SuperFerry 2 for preliminary conference.

After the preliminary conference, the MBI will set another schedule for the hearing of the incident.

None of the passengers and crew of the two vessels were hurt during the accident.

MV SuperFerry 2, a passenger vessel was headed to Cebu from Nasipit, Agusan del Norte and while MV General Romulo carrying 520 passengers and 116 crew docked safely at the Cebu International Port after the collision.

MV SuperFerry 2 was later allowed to sail for Manila after few hours of being delayed following standard checks for sea worthiness by MARINA.

Meanwhile, MV General Romulo, a cargo ship with 22 crew members coming from Cagayan de Oro City immediately dropped anchor after the collision to check damages on the ship.

The PCG also reported that two containers form MV Romulo, a 20-footer and a 40-footer van, sustained a brunt and a whole due the impact of the accident.

Several fishermen from Talisay City and nearby areas recovered boxes of milk that were thrown overboard from MV General Romulo. They sold the milk to the locals for cheaper prices but the Department of Health-7 warned those who bought milk products to make sure that these milk products are still properly sealed and their package are not damaged.  (FREEMAN)