BACOLOD City – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region 6 has issued a temporary suspension order for M/V Weesam Express 6 following its breakdown off the Guimaras Strait on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted an investigation, revealing that a malfunction in the fast craft’s rudder caused a loss of steering.
In a radio interview, Atty. Nicole Marie Amuan, legal officer for MARINA-6, announced that the fast craft is currently prohibited from operating on its Bacolod-Iloilo route.
SRN Fast Seacrafts Incorporated, the operator, has been instructed to obtain a passenger safety certificate for the craft before it can resume service.
Amuan agreed with the statement of Chief Petty Officer Louie Campaner, commander of Coast Guard Sub-station Bacolod, that the issue with Weesam Express 6 was mechanical, not human error.
Campaner noted that despite a thorough inspection by PCG personnel before its scheduled 11:30 a.m. trip to Iloilo City on Tuesday, there were no indications of an impending steering mechanism failure.
He explained that such incidents are unavoidable as sea vessel parts can deteriorate over time.
Following the incident, the fast craft, carrying 172 passengers and 19 crew members, was successfully rescued and towed back to Bredco port on Tuesday afternoon.
Some passengers needed minor medical attention for sea sickness and hypertension, while Weesam Express staff promptly assisted others.
Regarding travel delays on some fast crafts operating on the Bacolod-Iloilo route, Amuan mentioned that passengers could file complaints at their office.
With the travel season expected to peak next month due to the holidays, MARINA and the PCG are set to intensify their regular vessel inspections.
Sea vessels will be required to undergo dry docking to ensure their seaworthiness. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
