Trans-Asia ship stalls at sea anew

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu-based Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc.’s, M/V Trans-Asia 5 again encountered engine trouble while on its way to Cebu City from Cagayan de Oro early dawn yesterday.

According to Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas commander William Melad, the 4,790 gross ton vessel was carrying 626 passengers and 16 crew on board when the incident occurred within the vicinity of Siquijor province.

As of last night she was still dead in the water, but under watch by Coast Guard vessels.

Melad said that the said vessel was towed by its sister ship, M/V Asia Pacific and escorted by PCG vessel, BRP Edsa, Sarv 002, but the tow line broke.

“Kaso lang may problema, naputol yung tali. Kaya medyo nahirapan silang itali ulit kasi medyo maalon sa Siquijor area,” Melad said.

The vessel was supposed to arrive in Cebu City at around 6 a.m. yesterday. As of last night, the company was still not sure which port to tow it to.

Melad added that based on reports that he received, all passengers and crew are all safe.

It can be recalled that the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate of the same vessel was ordered suspended by the Maritime Industry Authority-7 last October 2012 after her engine reportedly stalled at the vicinity of Carcar City, Cebu, while on its way to Cagayan de Oro from Cebu City.

“Pero siguro the suspension was already lifted. Kasi as a general rule, every time a vessel has accident, automatically it will be suspended. Then after complying with the safety requirements, it will be allowed to travel again,” Melad explained.  (FREEMAN)