Another ferry runs aground in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - Sixty-three passengers and 18 crewmembers of M/V Super Shuttle Ferry 10 were safe after the ship ran aground while maneuvering out of harbor in Bogo City in Cebu.

Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas Commodore William Melad said the vessel was leaving Polambato wharf at 3:30 p.m. yesterday on its way to Palompon, Leyte when it drifted to shallow waters and ran aground.

Bogo City is considered the center of trade and commerce in northern Cebu and has easy access to other provinces such as Samar, Leyte and Masbate.

Melad said the passengers were immediately brought back to the wharf on small boats.

Super Shuttle Ferry 10 is owned by Cebu-based Asian Marine Transport Corp. Officials of the shipping firm were unavailable for comment as of press time yesterday. – Mitchelle Palaubsanon, Evelyn Macairan