Shipping firm grounds 2 passenger vessels

CEBU, Philippines - Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc. has voluntarily suspended the operations of two of its passenger vessels after they encountered mechanical trouble recently.

The Maritime Industry Authority-7 said it will only grant clearance to sail to MV Trans-Asia 2 and MV Trans-Asia 9 if these vessels will be found fit to travel.

Marina-7 Director Jose Venancio Vero Jr. informed The FREEMAN yesterday that the shipping company’s management notified them that MV Trans-Asia 2 voluntarily suspended its operation until further notice.

Vero said he did not issue an order suspending the passenger ship safety certificate of MV Trans-Asia 2 in view of the management’s voluntary cessation of its operation.

"Wala na ko niisyu og suspension sa PSSC sa MV Trans-Asia 2 kay they volunteered to suspend operation. We will inspect the ship prior to resumption of operation," said Vero.

Petty Officer 1 Alex Capangpangan, member of Coast Guard Substation-Tinago, said that MV Trans-Asia 2 arrived in Cebu City from Ozamiz City with no passengers at around 5 a.m. yesterday.

"Based sa among report, wala na sila nagkarga og pasahero padung sa Cebu kay naguba ang ilang aircon sa tourist section. Unya lisod man pud og pasakyon ang pasahero kung walay aircon kay mabuot sila sa sulod (It was not carrying passengers to Cebu because of a busted aircon in the tourist section. It would be risky to take passengers in such a situation)," said Capangpangan.

Aside from the damaged aircon, Vero said the vessel's generator was also damaged.

Capangpangan also said MV Trans-Asia 9 arrived in Cebu City from Cagayan de Oro City at 6:30 a.m. yesterday.

"Ang MV Trans-Asia 9 arrived on time and we have not received any report about engine trouble. Based sa among report, ang naay problema medyo naipit ang cable sa rampa," Capangpangan said.

As of this writing, Vero said his men were still checking if the busted cable had been repaired.

Two weeks ago, the Marina-7 also suspended the safety certificates of at least three vessels plying the Cebu route for safety reasons.

Medallion Transport Inc.’s MV Lady of All Nations was found to have a malfunctioning hydraulic pump while its MV of Love also encountered engine trouble while on its way to Surigao City.

Marina-7 also suspended the safety permit for MV Trans-Asia 3 after one of its engines malfunctioned while it was enroute to Cebu City from Cagayan de Oro City. (FREEMAN)