A year ago, MARINA had warned of the questionable seaworthiness of Camiguin-Balingoan ferrys. Among those mentioned are the poor and below par safety maintenance of the vessels and the unsanitary conditions within particularly the toilets. You can just imagine had this ferry not rescued it could have slammed into the rocky slopes of Sipaca point, Talisayan, Misamis Oriental. Worse, it could have drifted in open sea towards Surigao where the current is going.

Tsk. I dont want to sound alarmist here. But something has to be done. If Marina will sleep on its job, the owners of the concerned will not be pressured to correct the problem. In the end, Camiguin tourism will suffer. This incident is frightening as it is embarassing.

Marina should act now before something tragic happens.( God forbid!) 

Marina to probe ferry stranding off Camiguin
By Ma. Cecilia Rodriguez
Mindanao Bureau
First Posted 18:23:00 05/15/2008

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines –- The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said Thursday it will investigate the reported stranding of the Super Shuttle Ferry 9 Wednesday while ferrying 199 passengers from Camiguin Island to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental.Marina Region 10 director Mar Mendoza said his office has issued a show-cause order to the owners of the Super Shuttle ferry asking them to explain the incident.

The ferry’s passengers had to be rescued from the stricken ship Wednesday morning after it malfunctioned shortly after leaving the port of Guinsiliban in Camiguin Island. The ferry drifted for five hours into dangerous waters off Sipaca Point before another vessel arrived to get the passengers, most of them tourists.

Mendoza said Marina has yet to issue a suspension order on Super Shuttle ferries as it is still investigating the incident.

“If we find probable cause after the investigation, then we will issue a cease and desist order,”

said Mendoza.

He said Marina inspects all vessels every year before granting a ship-safety certificate allowing them to sail.

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