PCG-6 to start probe on vessel sinking

SAN JOSE, ANTIQUE, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard-Region 6 said it would start its investigation, either today or tomorrow, on the circumstances surrounding the sinking of M/V Seaford 2 off the shore of this town.

Commodore Athelo Ybañez, PCG-6 commander, said, “subpoenas were already sent to the crew and officers of the vessel who are in Bacolod City.”

The probe will be done by the four-man Special Board of Marine Inquiry led by Captain Pedro Tinampay, deputy commander of PCG-6, with members composed of Capt. Villagracia and Chief Engr. Julio Calibang, and a legal officer from the PCG head office.

“Basically, they would find out kung bakit lumubog ang barko. They would also determine the culpability of the officers and crew, if there is any,” Ybañez said. The SBMI will later give its recommendations to avoid a repeat of the incident, he said.

Meanwhile, Ybañez allayed fears of a possible oil spill in the area, saying that the vessel carried 7,000 liters of diesel fuel only, a very small volume to cause environmental problem. 

“Diesel fuel is not considered a heavy fuel, which are heavy, sticky, and persistent. Heavy fuels are those that could not be dispersed right away kasi kumakapit sila sa mga mangroves. Since diesel is not heavy fuel, it could easily evaporate,” Ybañez said.

Ybañez further said the PCG-6 conducts constant service monitoring in the area, while mobilizing pollution combating equipment like spill booms in the scene.

There were 18 crew members who were onboard the vessel, which was carrying 35,000 bags of cement from Iligan City when it sank off Antique. All of them were rescued before the ship sank. - THE FREEMAN