PCG hit over theory on vessel sinking

MANILA, Philippines - The Coast Guard was criticized yesterday for considering a whirlpool theory in the sinking of the M/V Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Nelson Ramirez, United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) president, said the investigation must focus on the real cause of the sinking, not allow the ship owners to blame typhoons or come up with excuses like a whirlpool or vortex to evade responsibility for negligence.

“We have to admit that the culture of negligence among many ship owners, government authorities and even seafarers sailing on board inter-island vessels had been developed for many years,” he said.

“The crew and even the master of the vessel do not have the guts to correct or object (to) the improper securing of the cargoes which is normally done by the shore gang.” 

Ramirez, a seafarer for 20 years and a maritime industry stakeholder in the last 18 years, said Commodore Aaron Reconquista, Coast Guard district commander in Bicol, must show proof that a vessel the same size as Mount Carmel or a small motorized banca had capsized and sank in the same area due to a whirlpool.

He has not heard of any vessel that capsized after encountering a whirlpool, especially in the vicinity of Masbate, he added.

Ramirez said the Philippines was becoming notorious internationally as a result of the recent string of maritime disasters.