Horror story of an old RORO’s journey

This story was told by a reliable source from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The date, time, and other facts can actually be verified from the records of the PCG. 

The journey started at the port of Benit in Leyte. A 30-year- old roll-on, roll-off (RORO) vessel named “Oliva” owned by Montenegro Shipping departed on April 1 at about 5 p.m. for the port of Lipata in Surigao. Travel time was estimated at little over an hour.

As declared, on board the 30-year-old RORO were 264 passengers, 18 crew, and 28 rolling cargo.

At approximately 5:45 p.m., the vessel sent a distress signal after the main engine apparently failed and the vessel started to drift.

The vessel at that time was passing through a stretch known to be frequently turbulent, being in an open sea where the current from the Pacific Ocean flows to the China Sea.

According to stories of those onboard, the current from the Pacific Ocean was so strong that the vessel, with its failed main engine, started drifting quickly towards Camiguin Island.

The vessel was at the mercy of the swirling currents, and everyone on board was uncertain as to what would happen next. For over nine hours, “Oliva” continued to drift while the passengers’ anxiety levels continued to rise.

At about 3:45 a.m. on April 2, a rescue vessel from the PCG, assisted by a landing craft tank owned by 2Go Shipping, started to tow “Oliva” towards the port of Lipata, Surigao.

The passengers and crew arrived at their destination after a harrowing experience of uncertainty while onboard the old vessel, feeling so hopeless for nine hours after its main engine failed. Even a veteran sea traveler would have had some traumatic moments.

‘Business’ consideration?

Here are some questions that come to mind:

Was the master of the vessel not aware that the main engine was defective, and could conk out during the one-hour trip? Or did he hide this fact so he could obtain clearance to sail?

By protocol, the master of the vessel submits a declaration that nothing is wrong with the vessel to obtain a clearance to sail. Was the defective main engine and the possibility of an engine failure during the short trip known to the ship owners or their representatives responsible for ship management?

It is possible someone made the decision to take a chance on the main engine, hoping it would hold through the whole trip. There is always that “business” consideration of calling off a trip due to possible engine problems, i.e., taking care of “stranded” passengers, losing revenues, and the additional cost of providing a replacement vessel.

Only half are operational

Montenegro Shipping is one of the biggest domestic shipping companies in the country with more than 50 vessels in operation. As previously reported, most of the vessels of Montenegro Shipping are old. It was learned that at any given time, only about 50 percent of its vessels are operational, with the rest suffering from some form of engine or mechanical defect.

It is not surprising that, in less than 30 days, Montenegro vessels were involved in three incidents: (1) the above; (2) a fire aboard “M/V Rina Hosanna”; and (3) “M/V Divina Gracia” running aground off Batangas waters (see column dated March 28).

In view of above, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) should make a thorough inspection of the Montenegro fleet and critically evaluate the seaworthiness of its old vessels.

Additionally, Marina should investigate and assess the competence of its shore and shipboard personnel in relation to the International Safety Management Code, which provides an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention.

If results of above warrant, Marina should not hesitate to suspend Montenegro’s operations. The safety of passengers and crew should be of paramount importance.

Big risk

With the onset of summer, thousands – including students on vacation – will be travelling to their island homes or on to many locations will have no choice but to board ROROs that are mostly old. Please note that 60 percent of ROROs allowed by Marina to ferry passengers and cargo are over 30 years old.

Will there be more horror journeys like those involving Montenegro Shipping this summer.

After summer comes the typhoon season. Has Marina forgotten that in just one typhoon last year named “Nina,” a total of 15 ROROs, of which seven were over 30 years old, were reportedly damaged after being battered by big waves? Incidentally, the oldest was “M/V Ocean Queen 9” at 44 years.

Is Secretary Arthur Tugade of the Department of Transportation and MARINA waiting for more RORO disasters?

Mitigating future incidents

The following suggested reforms to mitigate the current horrendous RORO situation do not need legislative action, but will require Secretary Tugade and Marina to stand up to pressures exerted by vested interests:

First, there is a need to set the maximum age of RORO vessels to 30 years after a moratorium period of three years. During this moratorium period, over 30-year-old vessels will only be allowed to operate on a temporary basis subject to stringent annual inspections. But they will have to be finally retired in three years time.

The importation of second-hand ROROs that are 20 years old and over should be banned. Most of each vessels have already been disallowed for operations from the countries that sell them.

Third, all ROROs that are eventually allowed to operate must be fully classed, preferably by a member of the International Association of Classification Society (IACS). This will qualify ROROs for wider insurance coverage not only covering passenger lives but also third party liabilities including passengers’ medical needs and benefits, damage to properties, and maritime environment and wreck removal operations.

Benefits of a modern world standard ferry system should be made available to all Filipinos. It’s a matter of keeping human lives safe, improving productivity and livelihood, contributing to commerce, encouraging inter-island tourism, and instilling pride in our ability to do things right.

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