Ship firm sorry for deadly blaze, extends cash aid

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The management of the passenger ferry that caught fire off Basilan Wednesday has begun extending financial assistance to the families of the fatalities and the injured and apologized for the mishap that killed 29 people and hurt dozens others.

The Alesson Shipping Lines also dismissed accusations that crewmembers of the ill-fated M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 had been negligent and committed lapses in disaster response, resulting in the high number of casualties.

In a statement, Alesson Shipping Lines apologized for the pain and anguished caused by the tragedy.

“We cannot apologize enough and we are profoundly sorry for the misery this incident has caused to many of us,” the shipping management said.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked over this tragic incident that has resulted in the loss of precious human lives. There are no words to describe the pain of losing a loved one and our hearts go out to the families, friends and relatives whom they left behind,” it said.

“As we continue to cooperate with the authorities in investigating the real cause of the fire, we sincerely offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and prayers for the dear departed. We have given out financial assistance to those in need and affected in the meantime,” it added.

Alesson Shipping spokesperson Hahs Ibrahim said the financial assistance would be extended to all victims regardless of whether they were listed in the passenger’s manifest or had bought their tickets on board.

Based on the manifest from the ticketing office, the ship had 197 passengers who paid in advance, according to Ibrahim. The actual number of passengers was higher, however, as there were passengers who secured their tickets while already on board.

“The rest were, as long as the vessel can still accommodate, considering the vessel can hold more than 400 passengers, we allow as they can secure the tickets onboard. In that case there seemed to be a bigger number that were rescued and recovered, more than what were listed in the manifest,” Ibrahim said.

Kenjie Olaso, Alesson security officer, said the ship captain and all of the 35 crew members were all accounted for – some with minor injuries.

The ill-fated boat sailed from the port of Zamboanga with 205 passengers listed in the manifest, 35 crew members, eight soldiers and three Philippine Coast Guard personnel. It caught fire Wednesday night while in the vicinity of Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad town, Basilan.

As of Friday, 216 survivors have been accounted for. There were reportedly 18 charred remains recovered from the upper deck of the boat. Seven passengers remain missing.

Ibrahim said families of the victims were each given P25,000 as preliminary financial assistance. They were also entitled to P200,000 each in insurance claims. Survivors would be given P3,000 each.

“But it is not limited to that since all of them have their respective insurance with our company every time they secure tickets, they are also given a maximum of P10,000 for their medical needs if in case they need one,” Ibrahim said.

She said they are coordinating with the coast guard and other agencies involved in identifying fatalities in the disaster.

“We will coordinate with their families and appeal to help us identify these bodies so we can give what is due them,” Ibrahim said.

“What we can assure we will not leave the victims. We can assure everyone hindi namin pababayaan,” she said.

Ibrahim and Olaso expressed belief the 35 crewmembers of the ill-fated boat did not commit lapses in helping passengers escape the burning boat.

“No lapses because the crew have extended everything, they did everything within their power in order to check on the passengers. Unfortunately due to the thick smoke, due to the fire, they could not see and account for all. But I assure you they did everything they can,” Ibrahim said.

The ship management said it was leaving the investigation to the authorities even as it dismissed reports of possible sabotage. “We have not received any threats or anything sort of that,” Olaso said. – Robertzon Ramirez, Sheila Crisostomo