Passenger ship runs aground off Talisay

CEBU, Philippines - A passenger vessel owned by Trans Asia Shipping Lines, Inc. yesterday ran aground in the shallow area of the sea off Lawis Ledge in Talisay City.

No one of the 364 passengers and 72 members of the crew of MV Trans Asia 9 were hurt. They safely reached Pier 5 in Cebu City, although few hours delayed of schedule.

“All the passengers and crew were safe,” said Kenneth Sy, chief executive officer and president of the shipping company.

Coast Guard Cebu station Commander Weniel Azcuna said the vessel came from Cagayan de Oro City and was scheduled to arrive in Cebu City at 6:00 a.m. But the ship ran aground allegedly due to “miscalculation” by the chief mate as it entered the Lawis Ledge area at 5:00 a.m.

Azcuna said they received the distress call at past 6:00 a.m. and immediately dispatched search and rescue vessels in the area. They waited for high tide to refloat the vessel. The vessel was successfully refloated at 9:25 and was able to continue sailing towards pier 5 where it docked past 10:00 a.m.

Azcuna said that ship captain Gorgonio Fianga admitted to him that he was not behind the wheel when the incident happened. The chief mate was allegedly running the ship.

Sy also admitted that there was “miscalculation” committed by the ship officials.

“Na miscalculate pag-agi sa barko especially nga low tide ang area,” said Sy.

Azcuna said he is waiting for the official marine protest from the shipping company.

The vessel will also be grounded temporarily until the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) issues a certificate of seaworthiness.

Sy however said that Marina inspectors have already started the underwater hull inspection of the vessel yesterday afternoon.  (FREEMAN)