The Philippine Online Chronicles

Nine Superferry vessels were ordered grounded after a collision with a fishing boat off Sarangani left a fisherman dead.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported yesterday that  the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) issued a notice of “voyage suspension” against the Negros Navigation-Aboitiz Transport System after one of the ships it owned, MV Superferry 20 figured in the accident.

Superferry 20 and fishing boat San Jose Bayanihan collided near Barangay Tinoto, Maasim town near the mouth of Sarangani Bay. The fishing boat was totally wrecked and immediately sank. One of the members of the crew, 60-year-old Giovanni Buntong died after being hit in the head by floating debris.

The Philippine Coast Guard rescued the six other crew members of the boat and rushed them to the hospital. Philippine Star said those rescued were Joseph Gediones; Bryan Enero, 17; Marjun Kirames, 20; Junito Mendoza, 52; Regalado Caceller, 19; and Rex Polawing, 28, residents of Barangay Labangal, General Santos City.

Reports say the fishermen were fixing their engine near the port when the ferry rammed into them. Another news article said they were preparing to fish in the area.

According to Mindanao Examiner, Superferry 20 did not stop amid the mishap and continued sailing.

“We immediately tried to swim towards the shore but we were rescued by the patrolling boat of the PNP Maritime Group,” Mendoza said.

Nevertheless, Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group 12 regional chief Supt. Edgard Cuanan said the fishermen might not have been familiar with basic warning signs since they sent out light and sound signals before the passenger vessel passed by.

Cuanan said they are still confirming if the Superferry 20 also gave their own signal.

Besides Superferry 20,  MV Superferry 1, MV Superferry 2, MV Superferry 5, MV Superferry 12, MV Superferry 21, MV Cebu Ferry 1, MV Cebu Ferry 2 and MV Cebu Ferry 3 were also ordered grounded.

The ships are now subject to inspection by a joint Marina and Coast Guard team.

A hearing will also be held on Nov. 25, 10 a.m. at Marina’s franchise office hearing room at Parkview Plaza, Ermita, Manila.

Superferry 20 had 542 passengers when the accident happened. It was on its way to Manila while the fishing boat was heading towards Balut Island in the Sarangani Islands.