2GO - RKK accident Captains file marine protest

CEBU, Philippines - The captains of both shipping vessels that figured in an accident at the Mactan Channel last Friday have respectively submitted their Marine protests to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

This was confirmed by PCG Cebu Station Commander Weniel Azcuna who said that they will be reviewing further the affidavits of both parties to determine the cause of the accident.

“We will read their protests and if we find discrepancies, ipatawag nato ang both captains,” said Azcuna in an interview with The Freeman.

Azcuna said though that he will still ask for the copy of 2GO’s marine protest tomorrow since it was submitted to their office in Cagayan de Oro City, where the passenger vessel was bound for last Friday.

While on its way out of Cebu, the 2GO-owned M/V Pope John Paul II reportedly sideswiped the left side of RKK II which was anchored at the Mactan Channel consequently denting the ship’s railings.

Captain Melchor Bularon of the RKK II has also submitted his Marine protest, said Azcuna.

M/V Pope John Paul II’s Captain, Ricardo Ababa, has told Azcuna that he was slowing down the ship after seeing an approaching vessel when the strong winds and sea current dragged them near RKK II, eventually hitting and damaging the vessel’s railings.

“I-evaluate namo what happened, nganong nag-drift cya didto, was it really caused by the wind, and kadtong naka-anchor na barko, tan-awn nato kung naa ba siya’y clearance from the CPA (Cebu Port Authority) na mag-anchor didto (We will evaluate what really happened, why he was drifted there and was it really caused by the wind. We will also check if the anchored ship had clearance from CPA to anchor there),” said Azcuna.

As deputized by the MARINA, Azcuna said they can recommend for the suspension of the shipping vessels involved should there be grounds to do so.

“We can evaluate their protest and recommend to Marina if seaworthy pa ba ang ilang vessels or not,” he further said.

Azcuna said that as per initial assessment though, he cannot recommend for the suspension of either of the vessels since the damage was very minimal.

The minor damage was also Capt. Ababag’s reason why he proceeded with their voyage after the accident, although he should have informed PCG of what happened, added Azcuna.

The PCG official said 2GO’s vice president for operations Angelito Salvio is communicating with RKK Shipping Lines on the extent of the damage caused to their vessel.

M/V Pope John Paul was carrying 742 passengers and 189 crew members while RKK II had 19 crew members. Luckily, no one was hurt.

For now, both vessels have been given clearance to proceed with their operations. —/ATO (FREEMAN)