MARINA suspends safety certificate of cargo ship

MANILA, Philippines — The Maritime Industry Authority suspended the safety certificate of cargo ship MV SL Halcon that ran aground near the Manila Harbor Center on Nov. 9, with the MARINA saying the suspension is to ensure the safety of all sea vessels and their compliance with safety standards.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the SL Halcon lost headway after passing an anchored ship near the navigational channel. While awaiting tugboat assistance, it drifted into shallower waters and eventually ran aground.

MARINA said the vessel’s certificate of seaworthiness would remain suspended until its compliance with established safety requirements is verified.

The agency added that a show-cause order would be issued to require the vessel’s owner and operator to explain the incident and submit documentations.

“We will not allow any vessel to operate unless its seaworthiness and compliance with safety standards are established,” MARINA in-charge administrator Loumer Bernabe said.

Bernabe said MARINA has initiated a marine safety investigation following the incident.