Ship towed to Cebu port

CEBU, Philippines - A passenger vessel bound for Cebu City from Hilongos, Leyte, had to be towed to port last night after an engine lost power before it could dock in its port of destination at Cebu City Pier 3.

Roble Shipping’s MV Joyful Stars with 291 passengers and 60 crew was already close to reaching the port safely when one of the engines shut down.

The “mechanical problem” occurred while the vessel was maneuvering in the waters of Mactan Channel, approaching the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. PCG clarified that the incident was not due to bad weather.

“Nag-single engine lang (ang barko) due to the derangement on the clutch of the transmission,” Philippine Coast Guard Cebu District Commander Enrico Evangelista explained.

The skipper, he said immediately informed the PCG regarding the incident. He added that the company immediately dispatched two tugboats to assist the vessel in docking.

He said the vessel safely docked past 8 p.m., four hours after it was due.

PCG Cebu Station Commander  Weniel Azcuna said they are still conducting further inquiry. He clarified that the vessel did not run aground.

“We are now conducting inquiry sa kapitan ngano late sila miabot,” he said.

A 28-year-old female passenger, who asked for anonymity, said they noticed that the noise from the engine suddenly stopped. The crew advised them not to panic and remain composed.

“Giingnan mi nga dili mobarog aron ma-balance ang barko. Wala raman pud ang mga pasahero nag-rattle,” she said.

In January 2014, the same vessel ran aground at Bantolinao Point off Lapu-Lapu City, heading to Cebu City from Maasin, Leyte, after being buffeted by strong winds and battered by huge waves. At least 295 passengers and 72 crew members onboard that time were left stranded.

Last  August 15, the MV Wonderful Stars, a passenger roll-on/roll-off vessel, caught fire minutes after it docked at the Ormoc City Port from Cebu City. Two crewmen sustained minor burns as a result of the incident. — Kristine B. Quintas/BRP (FREEMAN)