The 23,824-ton Princess of Stars was traveling from Manila to Cebu when it ran aground a few miles (kilometers) off central Sibuyan island then capsized.

The Princess carried 724 passengers and 121crew when it left Manila at 8 p.m. Friday.

Various government agencies are conducting search and rescue operations for any survivor of the ill-fated vessel. Sulpicio Lines released the list of survivors as well as list of passengers and crewmembers.

In Cebu City, a public assistance center was activated to attend to the concerns of relatives and loved ones of passengers as well as crew on board

The Cebu City Government and Smart Communications have set up a projector to show updates on the list of survivors, the casualties so far identified and the hotline numbers where relatives can communicate.

Sun.Star has provided a whole section to hear your opinions on the incident. Fill up the form (link to the form) or email your comments sunnex(at)sunstar(dot)com(dot)ph and sunnex1(at)sunstar(dot)com(dot)ph.

Hotline numbers:
Manila - (02) 242-4258, (02) 4745205
Cebu - (032) 5162728
Mobile – 09174228344, 09174228339

To post your comments click here
Dante Zulla -> 2008-10-01 10:45:33

We cannot trust the safety of riding public to ship captain because they are beholden to the ship owner. Therefore the main responsibility of deciding whether the ship can leave during typhoon is the coast guard. If they cannot accept this accountability, they should not exist. They are wasting taxpayers' money.

anonymous -> 2008-09-29 19:41:25

A ship that large could never sink even at signal number 3/4. Why it sank? I really don't think it's purely because of bad weather.

To all the people who have lost their loved ones, I sympathize with you. May they rest in peace.

mcb -> 2008-09-26 01:05:05

Every Chinese citizen living in the Phil. dominates the hungry (not supposed to be) millions of Pilipinos and because of lack of proper mind empowerment, poor Filipinos follow these Chinese businessman that leads the Filipinos to destruction of morals, the govt. the whole nation. Wake up, kababayans. Though I don't mean all Chinese, and in exclusion, we can name a few really really honest with humanitarian hearts. God bless these Chinese. Sorry I don't mean to hurt them, but even for the corrupt govt. wake up, your life is your own and your soul to answer for all these iniquities.

emmanuel yap -> 2008-09-23 20:03:41

Investigations should focus on what the former deck and engine officers of sulpicio lines (sli). in my many travels with sli vessels, i have heard of the gripes of its deck and engine officers. if they ask for spare parts, they are scolded. if given one, it is either of low quality or built up. if allowed to sail by the pcg, the captain can not refuse to sail even if in his judgdment it is prudent to stay in port. sli captains are not really the captains of their ships, but the management. Why were ships of other shipping lines in port or in a safe haven, while the "stars" was in open seas? why are sli vessels always figure in disasters during stormy weather? Only the former deck and engine officers of sli can give you the answer.

crisna -> 2008-09-21 08:01:56

It could have been prevented if the crews were keen enough and sensitive to check the vessel's condition knowing that there was typhoon at that time. What happened was a lesson to learn and I hope the we must take careful heed next time.

Rosedith Tecson -> 2008-09-15 13:57:12

Please reply because gusto malaman ko ang advice galing sa inyo.

Thank you

Rosedith Tecson -> 2008-09-15 13:54:27

Hindi kakain ng isda para iwasan ang na spread na pesticide sa dagat.

I have a question. "Pwede na bang kumain ng isda?"

Nonon -> 2008-09-10 13:14:25

In my own opinion, I can't fully blame Sulpicio Lines, Coast Guard and other government agencies for this MV "Princess of the Star" tragedy. There maybe respective laxity part were just minor and/or there were corruption involved was just a minor but accumulating all the minor factors become significant and thus the said vessel tragedy had happened.

There is only solution that this tragedy may not reoccur, we should put into Philippine law that vessel in all size, passengers and cargoes, floating in Philippine waters should not allow to sail across or near the path with considerable safe distance from typhoon eye. Non compliance means there fault.

"BE PROACTIVE RATHER THAN REACTIVE".

rey aguilar -> 2008-09-07 06:57:05

A Nature Made Disaster with men's contributory error cause the sinking of the ill feted ship. Who is to be blamed? It will be everybody. The Government (Pag-Asa, Coast Guard, Maritime), the Ship captain and Crew Officers. Auxiliary liability is the SLI Company being the owner of the ship. Actions to be taken must be Fair and with utmost consideration on each side on its effects. Please be guided accordingly with conscience and prudent decision.

medi corpuz -> 2008-08-28 09:00:19

This is the right time to suspend Sulpicio Lines permanently. They have been given some chances before to correct their lapses. Many innocent lives were lost and can't be replaced anymore. They are considered criminals for the death of thousands of Filipinos starting from MV Dona Paz. Let us STOP them from killing more.