CEBU, Philippines - The Maritime Industry Authority-7 yesterday suspended the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate of MV Trans Asia-3 of Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc. after one of its engine malfunctioned while the ship was on its way to Cebu City from Cagayan de Oro.
"Giadto sa ato engineer ganina. Nakita nga gi-repair ang turbine sa barko. Gi-advise sila nga di mobiyahi unless ma inspection sa Marina kung fit na ang barko mobiyahi," said Marina-7 Regional director Jose Venancio Vero.
Chief Petty Officer Rey Enario, substation commander of the Coast Guard Substation-Tinago, said that MV Trans Asia-3 left Cagayan de Oro at 8 p.m. on June 14 heading for Cebu, but around 6:07 a.m. of June 15 one of the vessel's engines malfunctioned after a sudden vibration was heard by the crew members.
The incident happened while the vessel was in the vicinity of Lawis Ledge.
MV Trans Asia-3 had to be assisted by a tugboat for docking maneuvers and safely arrived at Pier 5 in Cebu City at 8:30 p.m.
Enario said that all the 484 passengers were all safe, as well as the cargo. (FREEMAN)