TUBIGON, Bohol ,Philippines – Three passengers of M/V Island Fast Craft died, including its chief mate after the electrical wiring of the vessel allegedly caught fire while sailing off Cebu yesterday afternoon.
In a statement, PCG commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag identified the three fatalities as Matea Infiesto, 62 and Nicetas Cabrera, 73, both of Lagsing, Bacani, Clarin, Bohol; and the ship’s chief mate Abelardo Torrevillas Sr., 57, of 72-P Beldeol street in Tagbilaran City.
The vessel was badly damaged before it sank.
Initial reports showed that the M/V Sea Jet, which was passing by the area, rescued a total of 71 survivors made up of 64 adults, four children and one infant. There were also seven crewmembers on board.
Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas ordered the Maritime Industry Authority to ground all vessels being operated by Island Express following the incident.
He also tasked the PCG to convene the Board of Marine Inquiry to subject the owners and operators of the shipping company to a thorough investigation. – Ria Mae Booc, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Reinir Padua, Evelyn Macairan