A SUPERCAT vessel will undergo inspection by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) after it malfunctioned at sea on Saturday.
Lieutenant Senior Grade Jimmy Oliver Vingno, head of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station-Bacolod, said on Sunday that SuperCat’s M/V St. Sealthiel of 2GO Travel was temporarily suspended after its helm had trouble on its way to Iloilo City from Bredco port in Bacolod City.
Vingno said that about five minutes after the vessel had left the port, the boat captain called for assistance, citing engine trouble.
He decided to return to Bredco port for the safety of the 203 passengers.
Nobody was harmed.
Vingno said the vessel will be inspected by Marina-Western Visayas in Iloilo City to check its seaworthiness.
“If they pass the inspection and comply with the requirements, they will be allowed to operate," he added.
Marina has also started an investigation on the incident involving Ocean Jet 7 fastcraft which hit the apron of Bredco port, resulting to the injury of 40 passengers last Wednesday.
Last week, the vessel, which came from Iloilo City, was approaching the port when boat captain failed to maneuver the throttle properly, causing the collision.
Vingno said there was negligence on the part of the boat captain because he did not inform the passengers about the mechanical problem. (GYM/TDE)