Cargo vessel tilts

CEBU, Philippines - A roll-on roll-off cargo vessel tilted to its right side while docked at the Pier 8 in Mandaue City at around 11 pm last Thursday.

M/V Super Shuttle Ferry 8, which was supposed to leave for Davao City, tilted to the right with its hull touching the seabed due to low tide.

 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Cebu station commander Weniel Azcuna yesterday said that the crew was loading cargo when the incident happened.

 The 20,000-ton vessel is owned by Asian Marine Transport Corp.

All 45 ship officials and crew members were able to safely evacuate the vessel, which carried container vans and vehicles.

 Azcuna, as of press time yesterday, said that the ship captain is waiting for high tide before the vessel can regain its position.

 He said that the shipping firm has sent another ship with a crane for the transfer of cargoes.

 Super Shuttle Ferry 8 was the only vessel docked in the private port when the incident happened. Though it tilted to its side, water could not enter the vessel.

 He said there is a remote possibility that the ship will capsize just like what happened to the M/V Maria Angelica Grace last week.

Azcuna said he will meet with the management of pier 8 to ask them to deepen the seabed so that such incident won’t happen again during low tide.

Based on their initial assessment, Azcuna said the crew observed proper loading procedure and the cargoes onboard were properly secured.

 Azcuna said they have advised Capt. Renato Sato of the Super Shuttle Ferry 8 to file a marine protest at the PCG.  (FREEMAN)