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The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) ordered yesterday the grounding of two passenger ships of Gothong Lines after an explosion ripped through the engine room of a third vessel, MV Butuan Bay, last May 15, killing three people and injuring at least 11 others.

Arnie Santiago, chief of Marina’s Enforcement Safety and Inspection Division, issued the cease-and-desist order (CDO), which prevents the MV Ozamiz Bay and MV Subic Bay from plying their routes until Gothong Lines has fully complied with safety requirements.

Santiago said Marina officials discovered minor discrepancies in the engines of both ships, prompting them to issue the order.

He said the management of Gothong Lines should comply with Marina’s safety requirements before the two vessels are allowed to sail again.

Meanwhile, Nelson Ramirez, president of the United Filipino Seafarers, lauded Marina’s move to ensure the safety of all ship passengers, especially with the coming of the rainy season.

Ramirez said sea tragedies could be prevented if all shipping lines maintain the seaworthiness of their vessels before allowing them to sail.

He recommended that all passenger ships undergo energy readiness evaluation and machine readiness evaluation to avoid a repeat of what happened on MV Butuan Bay.

Ramirez earlier said lapses in safety and preventive maintenance by the ship’s engine personnel, and not terrorism could be behind the blast.