Another Sulpicio vessel in trouble - report

MANILA, Philippines - Already in trouble for the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy, shipping company Sulpicio Lines Inc. may find itself in hot water again. Visayas-based Bombo Radyo reported Thursday that some construction equipment being used for the extension of the Iloilo Port were damaged when it was sideswiped by Sulpicio Lines’ MV Cotabato Princess. Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) operations officer for Iloilo Ligaya Fresmedo told Bombo Radyo in an interview that they are now investigating the incident. In the interview, excerpts of which were posted on Bombo Radyo's website, Fresmedo described the status of the construction equipment as "seriously damaged." The report said the MV Cotabato Princess, a cargo vessel, itself sustained some damage. The PPA is now waiting for the ship's captain to submit an explanation. The report said the MV Cotabato Princess had come from Zamboanga City and was about to dock at the port at noon Thursday when the accident occurred. The Board of Marine Inquiry has recommended the suspension of Sulpicio Lines Inc.’s franchise by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) in connection with the sinking of MV Princess of the Stars last June. This was after the seven-man BMI panel found out in its investigation that Sulpicio Lines failed to exercise due diligence in ensuring the safety of its passengers. The ship was carrying more than 800 passengers and crewmembers when it sank off Sibuyan Island in Romblon province last June 21 during the height of typhoon “Frank.” - GMANews.TV