Marina 7 Suspends Safety Certificate of Fastcraft that Rammed Pier 1

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) 7 has suspended the passenger ship safety certificate of the fastcraft that rammed the berth area of Pier 1 in Cebu City Tuesday morning, injuring at least 21 passengers and crew members.

Lawyer Jose Cabatingan III, head of the Maritime Legal Affairs Section of Marina 7, said the suspension order against M/V St. Sealthiel was served Tuesday afternoon.

Cabatingan said the order was issued ahead of the receipt of the Marine Protest, which states the accounts of the vessel’s captain.

“The notice of suspension given to the shipping company was served at around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and that took effect immediately. Only the particular vessel involved in the incident was suspended,” he said.

Engr. Jesus Quiño, Marine Ship Safety inspector, recommended the suspension of the certificate after preliminary investigation.

The suspension may be lifted after the vessel is inspected upon request of the shipping company.

“For the suspension order to be lifted, the shipping company should notify Marina for reinspection,” Cabatingan said.

He clarified the vessel is being operated by Supercat Fast Ferry Inc. and not by 2GO shipping.

He said the officer in command of the vessel at that time, Capt. Florito Norman Teves, submitted the marine protest two hours after the suspension order was served. (PNA) SCS/EB