Ship’s engine stalls off Bohol

MANILA, Philippines - Tension gripped the passengers of a roll-on roll-off vessel after it suffered engine trouble while sailing in the waters off Bohol yesterday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

PCG Central Visayas district commander Commodore William Melad said the M/V Super Shuttle 3, owned by Asian Marine Transport Corp., encountered engine trouble at around 2 a.m. and listed.

The PCG learned about the incident at around 6:30 a.m.               

Melad said the vessel was carrying 118 passengers and 60 crewmembers when the incident occurred near Panglao Island.

The PCG, which sent two ships to escort the vessel to Cebu, said it will conduct an investigation as the captain did not immediately report the incident to them.

Melad expressed the belief the vessel’s officers may have hesitated to report the incident as the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) would require them to undergo a seaworthiness test and secure a certificate of inspection.

The M/V Super Shuttle 3 left Cagayan de Oro at 8 p.m. last Sunday for Mandaue in Cebu.