MANILA -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered an investigation into the sea mishap involving MV Mercraft 3 which sank off the waters between Quezon province and Polilio Island last Dec. 21, 2017.
This, as Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade directed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to implement safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
"We want this latest incident of sea mishap be investigated on as quickly as soon as possible so we can immediately implement safety nets and preventive measures. Ensuring the safety and security of travelers must be our priority," Tugade said in a statement on Saturday.
MV Mercraft 3 sank due to heavy rains and strong winds brought by tropical storm "Vinta", according to initial reports from MARINA.
PCG Commodore Joel Garcia said that there was no overloading of the capsized vessel, which has an authorized capacity of 286 passengers.
Garcia added that there was no breach of PCG circulars or protocols.
"There was no typhoon signal issued by Pagasa that may prompt d PCG to hold the departure of the vessel; the sea was moderately calm when the vessel left the port," he said.
MARINA will facilitate the immediate probe into the cause of the accident in order to ensure passenger safety on sea travel.
”Investigators coming from our Enforcement Service based in MARINA central office 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,” according to MARINA Administrator Al Amaro.
Burial assistance and hospital bills are already being shouldered by the owner of MV Mercraft 3 on top of the insurance claims of the victims.
The sea vessel had 251 passengers and seven crew members when it sank, where 243 survived and were immediately brought to the Barangay Dinahican Village Hall in Quezon for immediate medical attention.
Six bodies were retrieved and are currently kept at the Claro M. Recto Memorial District Hospital in Infanta, Quezon while three more passengers are still missing. (PNA)
