Overloading may have caused motor banca to capsize, passengers say

Survivors of M/V Kim Nirvan-B said overloading may have caused the motor banca to capsize minutes after leaving Ormoc City for Cebu.

 

"Maraming kargamento, maraming pasahero," Jade Boringa explained on GMA's "24 Oras".
 

A fellow passenger echoed his sentiments and said, "Maraming sakay, maraming tao, overloading po siguro."

 

Another survivor told "News TV Live" on Thursday that the boat had hundreds of sacks of cement and rice on board when it capsized.

 

M/V Kim Nirvana B had a capacity of 178 passengers and was reportedly carrying 173 when it overturned.

 

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson Cmdr. Armand Balilo said the Maritime Casualty Investigation Team will re-examine overloading as an angle after discounting it as a possibility.

 

"Kasama nang titingnan diyan yung faulty maneuver, yung stability rin nung barko, yung weather, yung overloading. Bagamat diniscount na natin yung possibility, base dun sa record," Balilo explained.

 

"24 Oras" on Friday reported that the boat had no records of accidents or violations since it was commissioned in June.

 

Its captain underwent drug testing on Friday and was released to the custody of the Philippine National Police afterwards.

 

Earlier, a survivor said many of the passengers did not wear life jackets although these were available. Another said they were not instructed to wear the safety vests.

Authorities have confirmed the deaths of 48 passengers. — Rie Takumi/JDS, GMA News