By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Maritime Industry Authority in Western Visayas (Marina-6) issued a temporary suspension order on the distressed M/V Weesam Express 6 that encountered a mechanical failure in the Guimaras Strait on Tuesday, November 21.

In a radio interview, Atty. Nicole Marie Amuan, Marina-6 legal officer, said the vessel is currently barred from plying the Bacolod-Iloilo route.

Amuan said the ship’s operator, SRN Fast Seacrafts Incorporated, had been told to secure a passenger safety certificate before the vessel could be allowed to operate.

She has also concurred with the statement from Chief Petty Officer Louie Campaner, commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Substation in Bacolod City, explaining that Weesam Express 6’s case was a mechanical error, not human error.

An investigation by PCG revealed that the vessel’s rudder broke down, causing it to lose steering.

Campaner earlier said the vessel underwent thorough inspection by PCG personnel prior to the scheduled 11:30 a.m. trip to Iloilo City on Tuesday.

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

Campaner added that such incidents cannot be avoided as the parts and materials used for the vessel can still wear down over time.

At least 172 passengers and 19 crew members were rescued after the fast craft was successfully towed back to Bacolod.

Meanwhile, Amuan said passengers can file complaints with the PCG on travel delays of fast crafts.

Marina and the PCG will step up their regular inspections on all passenger vessels as the travel season is set to peak next month for the holidays.

Shipping companies are required to have their vessels undergo dry docking to ensure their seaworthiness./DGB, WDJ