‘Flammable cargo sparked fire on June Aster’

MANILA, Philippines — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has blamed flammable cargo for the fire that struck the motor vessel June Aster.

MARINA Region IV chief Maximo Bañares Jr. said the maritime agency has completed investigating the incident, which occurred in the waters off Coron, Palawan on Sept. 9.

Early reports said the fire broke out following an explosion in the vessel’s cargo hold.

“I don’t want to preempt the release of the report, but there was a lot of flammable cargo in the ship. And the cargo was not properly secured,” Bañares said.

He said the MARINA is expected to release the report in the next few days.

“There is a proper way of handling flammable cargo and it should not be stored anywhere near the passengers’ area. That’s what our investigators have looked at,” Bañares added.

He said the MARINA central office enforcement service conducted the probe.

Members of the probe team had inspected the ferry as part of the comprehensive investigation.

“They will issue an official report on what transpired in the ferry,” Bañares said.

A separate investigation is being conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police.

Bañares said administrative charges have been filed against Roel Sarmiento, skipper of the June Aster.

“The day after the incident occurred, the MARINA-Region IV immediately issued a show-cause order and filed administrative charges against the ferry captain,” Bañares said.

He said the survivors will receive P50,000 each while relatives of the fatalities will be given P250,000 each.

“Representatives of the Atienza Interisland Ferries, which owns and operates the June Aster, had met with the insurance company and the Insurance Commission,” Bañares said.

Records showed 77 died, while 43 survived in the accident. Eight others remain missing.

Meanwhile, residents of Coron on Friday gathered and offered prayers for victims of the June Aster fire.

The PCG deployed boats in the area to support the activity led by Fr. John Paul Bangsi.

The ceremony was followed by the blessing of the June Aster and releasing of white balloons in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

The activity was attended by relatives of the victims, residents and local officials as well as members of the Philippine Marines.

The PCG said it would continue the search for the missing passengers.