Passengers of fast craft that ran aground rescued

CEBU, Philippines - All passengers of the Cebu-bound fast craft that ran aground last Thursday afternoon off Lauis Ledge, in Talisay City Cebu, were all rescued as of yesterday.

This was reported by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who noted that all the 170 passengers of MV Weesam 7 from Ormoc City were safe and transferred to MV Weesam 8 and other rescuing vessels, PCG craft DF 318, 2 PCG small boats, Navy crafts and SOU CV, at around 12:08 am yesterday.

PCG Central Visayas head Commodore William Melad said that there were no reported injuries but one was immediately transported to the hospital for a scheduled medical procedure.

"One passenger was evacuated and brought immediately to Cebu Doctors University hospital for dialysis," Melad stated.

MV Weesam 7 ran aground off Lauis Ledge around 6:40 p.m., just minutes before it was about to dock in Cebu City. The vessel was towed to the Cebu City Pier 3 at 5:30 in the morning yesterday.

Based on the initial inspection by coast guard personnel, no apparent damage was noticed on the vessel. The PCG is looking into reports though of the possibility that the Global Positioning System (GPS) of the ship failed to work.

"Sabi nila strong winds and rough seas. But we will still investigate. That (GPS failure) is possible kung GPS lang sila mag rely ng pag establish ng position. Pero dapat mag visual din sila kasi kita naman Lauis Ledge Light. But again makita yan sa investigation," Melad said.

He added that the PCG station commander of Cebu will be leading the investigation.

"Hindi ko masabi kung kailan matapos ang investigation. Initially it will be the station commander of Cebu who will investigate. Pinakukuhanan na nya ng statement ang officers ng barko. If it will damage sa environment then may liability siya dun. Also sa mga passengers kung may injury. It will also result to automatic suspension of safety certificates by Marina," Melad explained.

This month alone, a number of vessels have run aground in Cebu, with the inclement weather causing strong winds and big waves. Apart from which, the Lauis Ledge is also where the ill-fated MV Saint Thomas Aquinas sank late last year, killing more than 100 passengers and crew members. —/ATO (FREEMAN)