MV Filipinas Surigao del Norte of Cokaliong Shipping Lines is escorted by Coast Guard vessel BRP Sindagan as it sails to Cebu City after running aground in Masbate. (PCG-7)
CEBU CITY – A passenger ferry stalled while on its way to Cebu City from Masbate on Sunday, Aug. 24.
MV Filipinas Surigao del Norte of Cokaliong Shipping Lines (CSL) was carrying 221 passengers and 55 crew members when it ran aground off Dimasalang in Masbate at 9:57 p.m.
Chase Cokaliong, vice president of CSL, told reporters that the ferry tried to avoid fishing vessels when it hit a shallow portion of the sea.
The skipper gave the Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas a distress call. The ferry was advised to return to Masbate but the skipper decided to proceed to Cebu.
Cokaliong defended the decision to proceed to Cebu City, saying the ferry was halfway through its destination when the incident happened.
While sailing for Cebu, the ferry was escorted by PCG vessel BRP Sindagan.
The ferry arrived at Pier 1 in Cebu City 30 minutes late past 9 a.m. on Monday.
All passengers and crew were safe.
Some passengers suffered minor injuries as a result of the impact when the boat ran aground.
On standby medical personnel treated the injured passengers after the boat docked at Pier 1.
The shipping company assured it will cooperate in the PCG investigation.