Submarine suspended until ‘docs are shown’

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City government will not lift the suspension order against Yellow Submarine Underwater Tour in Hadsan Beach, Barangay Agus until its owner and general manager Brian Hyun presents documents from Maritime Industry Authority and a documented investigation on the incident.

Last Thursday, the submarine's antenna hit an anchored pump boat around 2 p.m. The weather at that time was reportedly windy and the current moderately strong.

It was reported that there were around 21 passengers inside the submarine.

The pump boat, with no passenger onboard, was anchored in the waters of off barangay and was allegedly carried away by the current to meet the submarine's antenna.

No one was hurt in the incident.

Teodilo Ybañez, Lapu-Lapu City administrator, said the mayor's office sent a suspension order of the business permit of the Yellow Submarine to Hyun Tuesday afternoon but the general manager of the submarine reportedly refused to sign the order.

According to him, he told the media that there was an update from Cebu Coast Guard that the MARINA already lifted the suspension.

As of now, Ybañez did not receive any documents from Hyun that will lift their suspension. Once they have received documents from him, they will lift the order, said Ybañez.

Andy Berame, deputy on Coastal Law enforcement, said they have sent personnel to guard the submarine which is anchored at Hadsan Beach.

He added that they are still monitoring the submarine tour because it is also the same yellow submarine that destroyed the corals through the walls of Kontiki wall in Barangay Maribago last April 2013.