After the probes, back to usual
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:20:00 06/28/2008
Filed Under: Sulpicio ferry disaster, Maritime Accidents, Waterway & Maritime Transport, Disasters (general)
“Gov’t grounds Sulpicio ships; inquiries set.” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 6/24/08) Grounding the ships to check their seaworthiness will of course prove that Sulpicio Lines does comply with standards. I have taken Sulpicio ships on several trips and I have always found them comfortable and enjoyable.
The issue in the sinking of the “pride” of Sulpicio off Sibuyan Island is not the ship’s seaworthiness. Neither is the tragedy a black mark on Sulpicio’s maintenance system. There was a fatal error in judgment—the ship taking a route in disregard of more sensible maritime savvy, considering the bad weather conditions.
The fact that other passenger ships took a safer route (or postponed their departure) close to ports of refuge shows that the captain or the owners of the ill-fated ship considered (missed) other factors when they made the decision that led to the “route of death.”
Having had three previous mishaps in the past 21 years before this latest one, Sulpicio should have become the most cautious shipping line when it comes to studying risk factors versus benefits and making good business decisions alongside safety considerations for passengers and crew.
Many of us expect the inquiries to prosper and hog the headlines of front pages and TV/radio coverage, and then eventually die down—leaving the Sulpicio officers and owners free of any liability, and all will be as calm as the sea after a storm.
Our condolences to the families affected and we pray for the safety of all ships in future trips.
VICTOR MAÑALAC (via email)
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