MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), in coordination with other concerned agencies, has started investigation yesterday, 04 August 2019, on the capsizing of three (3) motorbancas off the coast of Iloilo-Guimaras Strait in separate incidents Saturday, 03 August 2019.
After the MARINA’s Maritime Crisis Management Committee (MCMC) convened this morning, 05 August 2019, the agency deployed its Investigation/Coordination Team (ICT) to the incident area to monitor the search and rescue operation and to provide investigation assistance.
The MARINA Regional Office VI in Iloilo City has created a helpdesk to coordinate with other involved agencies including the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the Local Government Unit (LGU).
Furthermore, the MARINA has suspended operations of all passenger motorbancas operating the Iloilo – Guimaras route, subject to review and assessment of safety conditions of said vessels until further notice.
Meanwhile, to cater to the sea transportation needs of passengers in the affected area, the MARINA is set to direct two (2) Roll-on / Roll-off vessels to increase their schedule of voyage frequency in the Iloilo-Guimaras route.
The MARINA continues to remind operators to ensure maritime safety at all times by observing the latest weather forecast, conducting proper risk assessment, and applying control measures, as needed.