Cabahug wharf management seeks damages from owner of sunken ship

CEBU, Philippines - The management of the Cabahug wharf is seeking damages from the owner of M/V Maria Angelica Grace, the ship that capsized near the wharf.

According to Coast Guard station commander Winiel Azcuna, Hector Wong has said his company, the Mandaue Shipping Lighterage which operates the wharf, has entailed losses when other ships which regularly patronized the wharf, have gone to other ports because M/V Maria Angelica Grace is still in the water and therefore poses as a hazard to them.

Wong also wants the capsized ship removed without more ado.

Azcuna said the Coast Guard had given Salvador Rapal, the owner of the M/V Maria Angelica Grace, until last Friday to salvage the ship but since a salvager has yet to be chosen, Azcuna extended the ultimatum until yesterday.

But Rapal is still negotiating with the ship’s insurance company, which is the Development Bank of the Philippines, over the choice of a salvager.

 Salvaging the ship entails millions of pesos, Azcuna said.

Rapal has assured he will not run from his responsibility.  (FREEMAN)