Navy ferries home stranded Cagayan folk after boat sank

A total of 142 residents of two isolated islands in the northernmost tip of the country were ferried home by the Navy after being stranded in Cagayan province since mid-December due to the cancellation of passenger boat licenses following the sinking of M/B Maejan, a spokesman said.

Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman said BRP Rizal was sent by Naval Forces North Luzon chief Commodore Jose Luis Alano to transport the passengers who were stranded in the towns of Aparri, Claveria and Sta. Ana since Dec. 14 after the Marina cancelled all licenses of passenger boats that were unable to meet safety standards.

Aside from bringing home the passengers, who are mostly teachers and government employees, the vessel also brought assorted supplies for the people of the two islands such as diesel, rice, fertilizer, sugar, salt and other basic commodities.

Arevalo said Calayan Mayor Joseph Llopis requested the Navy to provide a vessel for the transport.

BRP Rizal, the spokesman said is currently refueling before proceeding to Dingalan, Aurora for a medical and dental mission and other community development projects in the area.

“The tragic sinking of M/B Maejan last month left nearly half of its 103 passengers dead, prompting Marina to suspend the licenses of all remaining passenger vessels due to findings that they failed to comply with maritime safety standards,” he said.

Arevalo said that with the creation of their Fleet-Marine Ready Force, they could be able to efficiently and rapidly deploy their men, vessels and aircraft to respond to national emergencies such as this one.

The said unit, according to him, is composed of elite Navy Seals, air and surface assets, rescue vessels.

It could address national emergencies such as terror atacks, disasters, calamities, and even civil disturbances. – James Mananghaya