By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Bacolod City said the mechanical failure of the distressed Iloilo-bound fast craft in the Guimaras Strait on Tuesday, November 21, was caused by a broken rudder.

Chief Petty Officer Louie Campaner, PCG Bacolod substation commander, said, based on investigation by SRN Fast Seacrafts, the operator of distressed M/V Weesam Express 6, the lock that holds the rudder, a device used for steering the vessel, broke down.

Campaner said there was no engine failure and the vessel’s power was still functional.

“The engine and the power generator were still functioning,” Campaner said.

He explained that if the vessel continued to traverse in the Guimaras Strait, the rudder could likely have fallen off, and cause the fast craft to run in circles due to a loss in steering.

Campaner said they have advised the operator to file a marine protest, which is “a declaration on oath, by the ship’s master, of the circumstances attending the damage or loss of his vessel,” and secure a certificate of seaworthiness from the Maritime Industry Authority before the vessel is allowed to resume operations.

Only one Weesam Express vessel with Bacolod-Iloilo route is allowed to operate.

Meanwhile, in response to comments on social media as to why the vessel was allowed to continue operating, Campaner said, as per regulations on a vessel’s seaworthiness, the fast craft underwent routine inspection before its departure from Bredco Port in Bacolod City.

There were no signs that indicated a failure of the vessel’s steering mechanism.

He added that such incidents cannot be avoided as the parts or materials used on a sea vessel can still wear down over time.

Campaner said no sea craft passengers were seriously injured in the incident, except for a few who complained of sea sickness or hypertension.

The vessel crew also offered refunds to the 172 passengers./With reports from PNA / DGB, WDJ