BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Northern Negros Occidental intensified the inspection of vessels following the ferry disaster early this week in Real, Quezon province.
Certain procedures must be followed prior to a vessel being allowed to set sail, according to PCG-Northern Negros Occidental station chief Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio.
There is a checklist from the PCG for ferry operators to comply, such as having enough life jackets and life rafts for the passengers and crew.
The competence of the crew is also being checked to make sure they know where they should be during emergencies, on top of their yearly Emergency Readiness Evaluation.
Mercurio said these measures can help lower – if not totally prevent – the risk of injury and death at sea.
He also reminded travelers going by sea not to panic during emergencies at sea but instead have presence of mind.
Mercurio advised travelers to always take the crews’ safety demonstration seriously, as well as to follow the vessel master’s instructions during emergencies.
On Monday, M/V Mercraft 2, a fastcraft, caught fire as it was leaving the port of Real, Quezon for Polillo Island.
At least seven people were killed in the tragedy, while 127 people were rescued, with 24 of them injured.
The PCG is currently investigating the incident, and have so far determined that the fire started at the vessel’s engine room./PN
