Transfer tanker mishap probe to Sarangani, panel asked

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  – The provincial government of Sarangani has asked the Special Board of Marine Inquiry (SBMI) to transfer the venue of the formal inquiry into the case of the Panamanian tanker  M/V Double Prosperity that ran aground in Bakud Reef in Kiamba, Sarangani last month.

Lawyer Arnel Zapatos, head of the Sarangani legal team, sought the transfer of the inquiry from Davao City to Sarangani, saying this would be more economical as their witnesses need not travel for hours just to attend the hearing.

The inquiry started here at the Sasa wharf last Monday wherein the SBMI, headed by Coast Guard deputy commander Roy Echeverria, grilled M/V Double Prosperity captain Danilo Sta. Ana.

Zapatos also argued that the law also mandates that hearings be conducted in the area nearest to where the incident took place.

Zapatos said the inquiry might take at least two weeks before the board comes up with a recommendation.

He said what they wanted is for the Coast Guard to hold the ship until the case is resolved.

The ship’s owner has expressed willingness to settle the case, initially offering $800,000.

Zapatos, however, said they need to consult experts first to determine the extent of damage in Bakud Reef.

Meanwhile, Sta. Ana admitted before the probe panel that they were looking for a cellular phone signal, thus their decision to move nearer the shore.

As a result, the tanker got stuck in the Bakud Reef, which is just 2.5 nautical miles away from the shore.

Earlier, the ship captain admitted that human error caused the accident, denying though that their ship was out of its route when it ran aground in the reef.

Zapatos, however, said the ship’s route should have been seven miles away from the shore.

Had they not altered their course, the ship would have not got stuck in the protected reef, Zapatos said.

The board of inquiry also called on chief engineer Avelino Bertumen and other crewmen of M/V Double Prosperity to testify.