The cause of the fire that engulfed MV June Aster remains unclear as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues its investigation into the maritime disaster that has left 76 people dead. Courtesy: PCG
CORON, Palawan — The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is appealing to the captain of the fire-stricken MV June Aster to come forward and explain what happened in the tragedy.
MV June Aster captain remains unaccounted for, shipping company says he survived
The appeal came after Atienza Interisland Ferries, Inc. said the captain of the vessel survived, although the company said it does not know his whereabouts.
“Harapin po niya ang kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin at ang kanyang obligasyon po bilang kapitan ng barko. At ipaliwanag sa tao lalo na po sa mga affected na families at mga victims, ipaliwanag what really happened at ipaliwanag sa awtoridad kung ano po ang nangyari para magbigyan po ng tamang direction po yung imbestigasyon ng ginagawa ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno,” said Maximo Bañares Jr., Marina IV regional director.
“Bilang isang opisyal, yun po ang hamon natin kay kapitan na he should be brave enough na harapin po yung kanyang mga pananagutan po,” Bañares added.
If the captain is found liable, Marina may impose administrative sanctions, including the possible suspension or ultimate revocation of his license or seaman’s book.
Bañares said Marina’s Enforcement Service is also expediting its investigation to determine the root cause of the tragedy.
Investigators are reportedly wrapping up the taking of statements and are still securing some documents needed for the probe.
“Marami na po nakausap yung mga investigator po ng Marina, marami pong nakausap na surviving crew o mga passengers po,” Bañares said.
“Sabi nila they are trying their best to come up with the kahit po initial result po ng investigation as soon as possible,” he added.
Marina’s investigation is separate from the probes being conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
WHY OTHER ATIENZA VESSELS CONTINUE OPERATING
Bañares also explained why other vessels operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries, Inc. continue to operate despite the suspension of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) issued for the fire-stricken MV June Aster.
According to Bañares, each vessel has its own CPC.
“Under the rules po ng Marina, hindi po automatic na pag may isang nangyari sa isang barko ay lahat po ay ihihinto,” he said.
Bañares said the Marina central office has already directed that the two other Atienza Interisland Ferries vessels currently operating undergo safety inspections.
But Bañares said the company has a clean record, with complete documents and certificates and no recorded violations.
Marina records show that Atienza Interisland Ferries, Inc. operates three roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels, three fastcraft and one tugboat.
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