100 lucky passengers escape sea tragedy

CEBU, Philippines - More than 100 passengers expressed gratitude for travelling with MV Pilipinas Butuan of Cokaliong Shipping Lines as they were not included in the ill-fated M/V St. Thomas Aquinas that sank off Lawis Ledge in Talisay City, Friday night.

”Ingon akong mga crew nga grateful gyud ang more than 100 passengers nga nisakay sila sa Pilipinas Butuan, (My crew said more than 100 passengers were grateful that they boarded Pilipinas Butuan.)” said Chester Cokaliong, founder, chief operating officer and chief executive officer of the said shipping company.

In an interview with The Freeman, Cokaliong said more than 300 passengers from Nasipit were supposed to be on board Sulpicio Lines’ MV Princess of the Earth bound for Cebu which was to depart at 7:00 in the evening last Thursday, August 15.

However, the Philippine Coast Guard prevented M/V Princess of the Earth from leaving the port due to engine failure.

The following day, Friday, August 16, there were 200 passengers of M/V Princess of the Earth who opted to board M/V St. Thomas Aquinas which left the port at 12:00 noon of the same day.

Cokaliong said more than 100 passengers from M/V Princess of the Earth opted to board his vessel which left the port at 7:00 in the evening that same day.

”Naswertehan gyud sila, (They were lucky.)” Cokaliong said, referring to the “saved passengers”.

Cokaliong’s M/V Pilipinas Butuan is their newest acquisition and the 13th vessel of the shipping company.

Cokaliong’s company is a recipient of various awards for excellence in sea travel.  (FREEMAN)