The Department of Transportation has directed maritime authorities to investigate the sea mishap involving m/v Mercraft 3 which sank between the waters of Quezon and Polilio Island on Dec. 21.
Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade likewise instructed the Maritime Industry Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard to implement measures to prevent similar incidents.
“We want this latest incident of sea mishap be investigated as quickly as possible so we can immediately implement safety nets and preventive measures. Ensuring the safety and security of travellers must be our priority,” Tugade said.
Based on initial reports from Marina, the vessel sank due to heavy rains and strong winds caused by bad weather.
Meanwhile, PCG Commodore Joel Garcia said there was no overloading of the capsized vessel, which has an authorized capacity of 286 passengers. There were 251 passengers and seven crew members on board the vessel when it sank.
Of the 251 passengers, 243 survived the incident, and were immediately brought to the Barangay Dinahican Village Hall in Quezon for medical attention.
Six bodies were recovered while three more passengers remain missing.
Garcia said there was no breach of PCG circulars or protocol.
“There was no typhoon signal issued by Pagasa that may prompt the PCG to hold the departure of the vessel. The sea was moderately calm when the vessel left the port,” he said.
”Investigators coming from our Enforcement Service were dispatched to conduct in-depth investigation to determine the root causes of the accident so we can prevent the same to happen in the future. We follow the international maritime accident investigation model”• one that is done without prejudice, does not apportion blame, and does not establish liability. This investigation does not establish legal or economic liability,” Marina administrator Al Amaro said.
Amaro said burial assistance and hospital bills were already shouldered by the owner of the ill-fated vessel on top of the insurance claim of the victims.
“The company is new and in fact they are the ones who immediately complied with our campaign to modernize their vessel in view of our rules to phase out wooden hulled boats,” Amaro said.
