SuperCat sorry for sea mishap

CEBU, Philippines — SuperCat Fast Ferry Corp. has apologized for the “harm and inconvenience” caused by the collision between one of its fast crafts and a cargo vessel at the Mactan Channel Sunday afternoon resulting in injuries to at least 19 passengers.

In a statement, the company said it is “conducting a thorough investigation of the incident with proper government agencies, and that additional safety measures and appropriate actions shall be undertaken to avoid recurrence of this unfortunate incident.”

It added that their “primary concern now is to ensure that all those who sustained injuries are properly cared for.”

“Additional safety measures and appropriate actions shall be undertaken to avoid [the] recurrence of this unfortunate incident,” the company said.

The Philippine Coast Guard has already started its investigation into the collision between MV St. Jhudiel of SuperCat Fast Ferry Corporation and cargo vessel LCT Poseidon 23.

The two vessels collided in the waters off Barangay Looc in Mandaue City after the fast craft experienced a “steering casualty” while sailing to Cebu City from Ormoc, Leyte.

Ensign Reynan Lagare Jr., deputy commander of Coast Guard Station Central Cebu, said at least 19 passengers have been injured. He said 13 were brought to the University of Cebu Medical Center while six were brought to the Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN).

According to Lagare, a total of 25 passengers were rescued by NAVFORCEN personnel but only six of them were injured.

“Initially, 13 yung nadala sa UC Med, then out of 25 na nadala sa NAVFORCEN ang na verify pa namin is six palang,” Lagare told The Freeman.

The PCG has given the captains of the two vessels involved 72 hours to submit their respective marine protest. Lagare refused to give the names of the captains pending the result of their investigation.

Initial information revealed that the fast craft with 197 passengers onboard from Ormoc, Leyte experienced a steering wheel problem as it entered Mactan Channel on its way to Pier 1 in Cebu City.

The steering problem is believed to have caused the vessel to collide with the cargo ship which was also maneuvering at the vicinity of the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge on its way to Ormoc in Leyte around 2:44 p.m. on Sunday.

“Mao to pag-abot nila sa may Looc sa may ubos sa bridge naglisod na sila og manuever,” said Lagare, adding that both the manual and automatic steering wheel of the fast craft did not work.

Lagare said the PCG immediately deployed their floating asset after receiving the distress call.

“The PCG immediately deployed a floating asset, a land vehicle, and an ambulance to provide necessary assistance,” the PCG posted on Facebook, belying reports from the passengers that it took some time for the rescuers to respond.

According to Lagare, it only took them 20 to 30 minutes to react through its sub-station in Mandaue.

“Ang sub-station namo sa Mandaue dali ra man sila naka-react nag-deploy dayon sila og tugboat together with the Philippine Navy patrol boats,” he said.

Lagare said that fast craft will undergo a Vessel Safety Enforcement and Inspection. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will have to certify the seaworthiness of the vessel before it can be allowed to sail again. — (FREEMAN)