MV Asia’s safety certificate suspended

MANILA, Philippines — The safety certificate of the MV Asia Philippines, which caught fire in the waters off an anchorage in Batangas on Friday, has been suspended.

A letter dated Aug. 26 signed by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)-Calabarzon head Emmanuel Carpio said the fire puts into question the ”integrity” of the hull and its integral parts as well as other affected machineries and appliances.

Carpio directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to implement the suspension order.

He said the vessel would undergo a thorough inspection to determine its seaworthiness. The review will serve as the basis on whether or not to lift the suspension order.

Trans-Asia Shipping Philippines Lines Inc., which owns MV Asia Philippines, has yet to issue a statement.

In a post on social media, the management of Starlite Ferries, the operator of the ship, gave assurance that ”full assistance” will be extended to all affected passengers and crewmembers.

PCG spokesman Commodore Armand Balilo said an investigation to determine the cause of the fire is underway.

A 44-year-old female passenger was injured when the MV Asia Philippines caught fire shortly after it left the Calapan Port at around 6 p.m.

All passengers accounted for

The PCG said all passengers and crewmembers of the ship have been accounted for.

The two persons earlier reported missing were not among the passengers as they took a later trip.

“After checking, our joint team has confirmed that the two allegedly missing passengers took the 5 p.m., not the 3 p.m. vessel trip,” the PCG said.

No trace of oil spill was detected in the vicinity where the accident occurred. All the 16 rolling cargoes aboard the ship were intact.

Balilo said the PCG concluded its search and rescue operations before 1 p.m. yesterday. – Ed Amoroso, Arnell Ozaeta