Passengers of ferry that conked out safe

CEBU, Philippines - At least 79 passengers of Super Shuttle Ferry 10 have arrived safely at Polambato Port in Bogo City around 10:30 p.m. last Saturday.

 The passengers were bound for Palompon, Leyte and departed Polambato Port at around 12:00 noon when the engine of the vessel failed and shut down.

 The vessel was supposed to arrive in Palompon at 3 p.m. on the same day.

 Ruel Arranchado whose cousin was on board the ferry said his cousin had informed him that the vessel was still at sea at past 7 p.m. and no food was given to the passengers. 

“Mga 9p.m. gi-tow ang barko pabalik sa Polambato Port. Alas 12 midnight sila naabot sa port dayun nakapanihapon intawon,” Arranchado said.

 The authorities were reportedly informed about on the incident at past 8 p.m.

 Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez Jr. also received a call from one of the passengers at around 7:30 p.m. asking for rescue.

 Martinez then directed City Administrator Max Suico, the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, the Port manager, Bantay Dagat, Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Education, and the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team to respond and provide humanitarian assistance and transport to passengers.

Civic group Northern Allied Streetbikers Association (NASA) in Bogo City also provided ambulance for medical transport.

“I spoke to some of the local government officials this morning and asked them to immediately look into the sea worthiness of boats serving routes out of the Port of Bogo to avoid the same incident from happening again and in doing so, provide better service and utmost insure the safety of passengers,” said Board Member Celestino Martinez III.

The LDRRMO also coordinated with the Office of the Civil Defense-7, Philippine Coast Guard, Naval Forces Central and the Provincial DRRMO.

 The Ceres Bus Liner provided free transport for the passengers who chose to proceed to Cebu City. The shipping lines, meanwhile, provided free meals and passengers to the passengers who stay on the ship. (FREEMAN)