The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has suspended the passenger ship safety certificate (PSSC) of a merchant vessel after hitting a coral reef in the Visayas.
In a statement, MARINA said the damage incurred by the OceanJet 168 during the incident already compromised the safety of its crew and passengers.
The OceanJet 168 suffered damage in its starboard side propeller when it hit a coral reef while traversing Bohol to Siquijor.
The owner of the vessel was already informed of the decision in a letter dated Sept. 10.
"The suspension will last until an order was given by the MARINA, and upon favorable recommendation from the Agency after a thorough inspection, and evaluation of the vessel's seaworthiness," the statement read.
OceanJet 168 is a tourist vessel with over 350 passenger capacity.