Beached vessel’s permit suspended

MANILA, Philippines — The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has suspended the safety certificate of motor vessel Maria Helena, which ran aground in the waters off Romblon before dawn on Sunday.

The suspension order was issued hours after the incident by Rizal Victoria, chief of the Marina-Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan).

Victoria said the vessel would be inspected thoroughly to determine its seaworthiness.

The Marina sought the help of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in implementing the order against the vessel owned by Montenegro Shipping Lines.

Marina spokesperson Sharon Aledo clarified that only the Helena would be assessed for seaworthiness, and not the entire fleet of Montenegro.

Victoria said the suspension was based on Republic Act 9295 or the Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004 and Marina’s Ship Survey System and administative order.

The PCG has laid out booms around the listing ship in preparation for an oil spill.

The roll-on roll-off vessel has an estimated 21,000 liters of fuel onboard.

The vessel was sailing toward Tablas when it ran aground some 100 meters from the shore of Barangay Nasunugan in Banton town at around 1 a.m.