Marina suspends 2 Trans-Asia vessels

CEBU, Philippines - The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) 7 suspended two of the vessels owned by Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc. after these encountered problems yesterday. MARINA-7 spokesperson Jose Cabatingan said the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate of M/V Trans-Asia 3 and M/V Trans-Asia 5 were suspended effective yesterday.

According to the Coast Guard, M/V Trans-Asia 5 experienced engine trouble while on its way to Cagayan de Oro from Pier 5, Cebu City.

“It’s engine reportedly stalled at the vicinity of Naga City, Cebu,” the Coast Guard report stated.

It was immediately towed back to Pier 5 by M/Tug Gothong Tug 4 and Malayan Towage.

CG Station Commander Capt. Rolando Punzalan said that M/V Trans-Asia 5 has a gross tonnage of 4,790. It was carrying 531 passengers, 16 officers and crew and 37 ancillaries.

In a separate incident, MV Trans-Asia 3 reportedly ran out of fuel on in the vicinity of Shell Island in Cebu City while on its way to Pier 5 from Ozamis City.

It was carrying 188 passengers, 16 crew and officers and 28 ancillaries.

No one was hurt in the two incidents.

As of yesterday, Cabatingan said there is no order from MARINA Central Office for the suspension of the shipping line’s entire fleet.

“We do not have any recommendation (to suspend the entire fleet) also. What was suspended are the operations of MV Trans-Asia 3 and MV Trans-Asia 5 only,” Cabatingan said.

Cabatingan said that they will re-inspect the two vessels but it would depend on Trans-Asia’s request.

The CG recommended for the two vessels to undergo MARINA inspection and get seaworthiness certification.

Trans-Asia management said the two incidents were isolated and that they have attended to the needs of their valued passengers.

“While the accident is an isolated occurence, we are diligently addressing it and have promptly initiated corrective actions on the vessel in order to avoid similar occurence in the future and to resume serving the riding public,” said Abner Llenos, Human Resource Manager of Trans-Asia in a statement sent to The FREEMAN. —/MBG (FREEMAN)