Trans-Asia vessel encounters trouble

 CEBU, Philippines - A passenger vessel carrying 190 passengers encountered electrical problem while navigating at the vicinity of the First Mactan Bridge around 7 p.m. yesterday.

Capt. Rolando Punzalan, commander of the Cebu Coast Guard station, identified the vessel as M/V Asia Philippines, which is owned by Trans-Asia Shipping.

Punzalan said the vessel departed from Pier 4 of Cebu City around 6 p.m. bound for Iloilo when its steering encountered trouble upon reaching the First Mactan Bridge.

“May electrical problem daw,” Punzalan said.

The passengers, 34 crew members manning the ship, and six ancillaries were safe, Punzalan said.

Punzalan said the incident was reported by Police Officer 2 Igmedio Penaso, a PCG Cebu member who was one of the vessel’s passengers.

The vessel’s captain, Capt. Jose De Guzman, and the shipping owner, Kenneth Sy, decided to have the vessel towed back to the port even if the steering was fixed.

 “We at CG Cebu and our SAR (search and rescue) units closely monitor the safety of the passengers and vessel and remind the owner and the master that they are duty bound  to look after the welfare of their passengers,” Punzalan told The FREEMAN.

He added that the vessel will not be allowed to continue its voyage pending inspection by the Maritime Industry Authority. — /LPM (FREEMAN)