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MANILA, Philippines – At least 18 people died when a passenger ferry carrying over 350 individuals sank off the coast of Basilan province on Wednesday, sparking calls for accountability and scrutiny of maritime safety in the Philippines.
Ferry sinking Prompts Calls for Investigation
A maritime tragedy in the Philippines has ignited a debate over safety regulations and potential negligence.
- The ferry, MV Aleson-8, capsized approximately 4.3 nautical miles off Baluk-Baluk Island in Tabukan, Basilan, around 8:00 AM local time on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
- Initial reports indicate the vessel was traveling from Zamboanga City to Isabela City when it encountered difficulties.
- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has grounded Aleson Shipping Lines pending investigation.
- Senator francis Tulfo has questioned the high death toll and requested a probe by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).
- The incident has renewed concerns about maritime safety standards in the Philippines.
What factors contributed to the ferry sinking?
The exact cause of the sinking remains under investigation. the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is cooperating with the Coast Guard and Marina to determine the cause of the incident and assess any potential violations of maritime regulations.
Senator Francis Tulfo raised concerns about the discrepancy between the official passenger manifest and eyewitness accounts suggesting a much larger number of people were onboard. Tulfo has formally requested Marina to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, including a review of the ferry’s safety record and compliance with regulations. “We need to determine why there is a significant difference between the number of passengers listed on the manifest and the actual number of people who were on board the ferry,” Tulfo said in a statement.
Maritime Safety under Scrutiny
The sinking has reignited a national conversation about maritime safety in the Philippines, an archipelago nation heavily reliant on sea travel. Critics point to a history of lax enforcement of safety regulations, overcrowding on vessels, and inadequate infrastructure as contributing factors to frequent maritime accidents.
The Manila Times reported that the incident is prompting a broader review of maritime safety protocols across the country. Authorities are expected to reassess existing regulations, increase inspections of vessels, and enhance training for maritime personnel.The focus will be on ensuring that ferry operators prioritize passenger safety and adhere to international maritime standards.
Rescue operations continued throughout Wednesday, with divers searching the wreckage for survivors. The Coast Guard has established a command center in Isabela city to coordinate the search and rescue efforts and provide assistance to the families of the victims. The incident is a stark reminder of the risks associated with sea travel in the Philippines and the importance of prioritizing maritime safety.
Authorities are urging anyone with facts about the incident or missing passengers to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities gather more information.