Tuesday, September 09, 2008 Marine inquiry to probe Sulpicio vessel
A SPECIAL Board of Marine Inquiry (SBMI) was formed late last week to conduct inquiry and fact-finding investigation on the MV Cotabato Princess of Sulpicio Lines Inc. that rammed an ongoing project of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) at the Port of Iloilo.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Western Visayas commander William Melad will head the SBMI to determine the culpability of the shipping lines when its vessel destroyed some P16 million worth of expansion project at the Iloilo Port last September 4. No person was injured in the incident.
The vessel rammed and destroyed 16 post piles of the PPA project at the Iloilo pier when the ship was about to dock around 1:30 p.m.
PCG refused to allow MV Cotabato Princess to leave until midnight. It was only after an inspection was conducted that the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) attested to its seaworthiness. (Lydia C. Pendon)
