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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Why are you putting us in danger?' Passenger ship suspended after running aground, continuing voyage in Masbate

'Why are you putting us in danger?' Passenger ship suspended after running aground, continuing voyage in Masbate

Published Aug 27, 2025 01:33 pm
(Photo: PCG)
(Photo: PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced Wednesday, Aug. 27, that the operations of a passenger vessel has been suspended after it ran aground in Masbate but still pushed through with its voyage instead of returning to port for inspection.
MV Filipinas Surigao del Norte, of Cokaliong Shipping Lines, struck shallow waters off Dimasalang town while transporting 221 passengers around 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 24. The vessel left the port at 7 p.m.
Personnel of the Coast Guard District Central Visayas (CGDCV) immediately coordinated with the vessel's master or ship captain, instructing the crew to be on standby and halt its trip until an underwater hull inspection was carried out. The captain's identity was not revealed by the PCG.
“However, the vessel’s Master insisted on proceeding to their next port of call at Pier 1, Cebu City,” the CGDCV noted, stressing that the captain defied the PCG’s order.
Left with no choice, the CGDCV deployed BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) to escort MV Filipinas Surigao del Norte to ensure its safe navigation to the next port of call. The vessel arrived safely at Pier 1, Cebu City on the following day. PCG personnel assisted the passengers as they disembarked from the damaged vessel.
“MV Filipinas Surigao del Norte has been placed under indefinite suspension by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region 7 and is directed to appear and fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation being conducted by the District,” the CGDCV said.
Meanwhile, a composite team was deployed by the CGDCV to conduct a comprehensive vessel inspection on MV Filipinas Surigao del Norte, composed of personnel from the Coast Guard K9 Unit, Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection (VSEI), Marine Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU), and Special Operations divers.
Ms. Aileen Lariba, a passenger, recounted her harrowing experience, saying that PCG personnel instructed the ship captain to turn back the vessel "but our [captain] REFUSED to follow the coast guard, saying it is the owner's decision."
“[Does] the life of the passengers mean so little to you? Yes, if we die, you may be able to pay compensation, but what about the families we leave behind? Is money more important than our safety? The auxiliary officer on the boat even said they cannot give 100% assurance of safety. Cokaliong Shipping Lines, where is your [commitment to] safety? Why are you putting us in danger?” she asked.
Lariba told the Manila Bulletin that she had to undergo a medical checkup after getting injured in the incident. Medical records she provided indicated that she suffered from barotrauma, an injury to body parts with gas-filled spaces such as the ears, caused by sudden and significant changes in surrounding air or water pressure. She was thankful that traumatic brain injury was ruled out by the doctors.
"I need a CT Scan and some meds because my ear is inflammed," she added.
Mr. Chase Cokaliong, Vice President for Operations of Cokaliong Shipping Lines, said the vessel decided to continue its voyage because it only grazed the seabed when it ran aground.
"It was just a minor delay but we were still on schedule. There was no damage on the vessel and there was no issue at all," he said, adding that the company will be ready to respond to any inquiry from the PCG or MARINA.
He reaffirmed the company's commitment to safety at sea: "We are not fools to allow the trip to continue if the vessel is not seaworthy. It would endanger the lives of our passengers and the vessel is worth hundreds of millions. We are not going to risk it."
The PCG reminded shipping operators that any grounding incident, regardless of its severity, must be reported immediately and addressed before continuing a voyage to ensure the safety of both the passengers and the vessel.

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PCG grounding incident Masbate
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