Ship’s engine conks out, 585 passengers rescued

CEBU, Philippines — All 585 passengers of the MV Lady of Good Voyage got off from the vessel safely after the ship encountered an engine trouble off the shores of Cebu City yesterday, said the Philippine Coast Guard District Central Visayas (CGD-CV).

Lieutenant Junior Grade Michael John Encina, CGD-CV Spokesperson, said the passenger vessel from Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, was supposed to arrive at the city’s Pier 4 early morning yesterday.

However, the ship got stuck for an hour in the waters about two to three kilometers off the shores of Cebu City due to an engine problem.

Encina said the local Coast Guard office received the distress call about 7:30 a.m.  One of the passengers reported the ship was already dysfunctional after experiencing an engine trouble.

He said the ship reportedly was floating in the waters at the vicinity near SM Seaside City Cebu.

He said Coast Guard officials then alerted the nearby substations.  Substation Tinago was directed to establish a communication with the ship’s captain, while Substation Aduana was informed to monitor the vessel.

About an hour after, he said the tug boat of Golden Shipping Lines gave assistance and towed the vessel to Pier 4 in Cebu City.

At about 9:15 a.m., the tug boat and the vessel docked at Pier 4 safely and had the passengers disembarked.

Encina said the passenger vessel carried at least 585 individuals and had 46 crew members, including ship captain Danilo Rodriguez.

The vessel was owned by Medallion Transport Inc., a company based in Cebu City.

Encina said Coast Guard officers will inspect the vessel and examine its seaworthiness if it is still safe to sail.

The vessel owners, he added, have to secure a clearance from the Maritime Industry Authority prior to the resumption of their voyage.

Yesterday afternoon, the Medallion Transport Inc. begged off for an interview, saying no executive was present to give a statement with regard the incident.

Staff from its booking office says an official statement may be issued today as regular working days at its main office resume. (FREEMAN)