A passenger vessel insisted on continuing its voyage to Cebu City, defying an instruction from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to halt its travel after it ran aground.
In a statement yesterday, the PCG said the vessel, MV Filipinas Surigao Del Norte, ran aground in the vicinity of Dimasalang, Masbate, last Sunday.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Coast Guard sub-station Masbate coordinated with the vessel’s master and instructed it to stay on standby and not continue its voyage until an underwater hull inspection could be carried out,” the PCG said.
“However, the vessel’s master insisted on proceeding to their next port of call at Pier 1, Cebu City,” the PCG added, implying the vessel managed to extricate itself from the ground.
A PCG vessel, BRP Sindangan, escorted the vessel “to ensure the safety of both the passengers and the vessel.”
MV Filipinas Surigao Del Norte arrived safely at Pier 1 in Cebu City at 10 a.m. last Monday, the PCG said.
“Upon arrival, the PCG personnel provided immediate assistance to disembark the 221 passengers onboard,” the PCG added.
It said a composite team from the PCG was later deployed to conduct a “comprehensive” inspection of the vessel.
“Meanwhile, MV Filipinas Surigao del Norte has been placed under indefinite suspension by the Maritime Industry Authority Region 7 and is directed to appear and fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation being conducted by the (PCG) district,” the PCG said.
