THE captain of the ill-starred motorized banca Aya Express, does not have a valid Boat Captain 1 license, according to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Meanwhile, the MARINA) suspended the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) of M/B Aya Express after the incident on Sunday off Barangay Kalinawan, Binangonan, Rizal which claimed 27 lives.
“Investigations revealed that the boat captain involved in the tragedy did not possess a valid license, as per records maintained by Marina,” MARINA’s lead lawyer Sharon Aledo said in a statement.
“There will be administrative proceedings pursuant to MARINA’s rules and regulations,” she added.
The Aya Express capsized in Laguna de Bay amid Typhoon Egay on July 27. The boat, with a seating capacity of 42 but which had 70 passengers at the time, was en route to Talim Island when it started to tilt to one side and its outrigger snapped.
The incident in Binangonan, Rizal resulted in the deaths of 27 passengers. MARINA met with Talim Island Passenger Motorboat and Patron Association (TIPMOPA) representatives to discuss the duty of Aya Express’ insurance provider.
“As of this writing, there is no showing that the insurance providerhas accepted or assessed any claim or has settled reasonable claims. Officers of TIPMOPA are currently in negotiations with the insurer to secure the necessary assistance,” the MARINA said.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ended on July 30 its search and rescue operations in Laguna de Bay for other possible victims of the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Rizal has pledged to provide financial aid to the victims’ families.
Anain, boat owner Rufino Antolin and PCG Petty Officer 2 Jay Rivera are facing criminal complaints over the accident.
“Let’s see how the investigation will proceed since the Philippine National Police has turned over the case to Rizal’s prosecutors,” Rizal Police Provincial Office spokesperson Capt. Mariesol Tactaquin said in a radio interview.
The three respondents were charged with reckless imprudence and negligence, resulting in multiple homicides and multiple physical injuries.
Anain has surrendered and was place in police custody.
Some of the 41 survivors earlier said that PCG personnel did not inspect the boat before it left for Talim Island.
The three-member Makabayan bloc has filed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to investigate the accident.
“(The PCG should) answer why the motor banca Aya Express was allowed to sail amid the bad weather conditions brought about by Typhoon Egay,” the resolution stated.
The measure was filed by Rep. France Castro, Rep. Raoul Manuel and Rep. Arlene Brosas.
Aside from insufficient life vests, PCG’s National Capital Region-Central Luzon district commander Rear Admiral Hostillo Arturo Cornelio also admitted recently that no PCG personnel physically inspected the vessel, the resolution noted
MARINA suspended the ship’s safety certificate until further notice, pending its comprehensive evaluation and inspection and its
reinstatement depends on compliance with safety standards and regulations.
The suspension was necessary due to concerns about the ship’s hull, integral parts, and affected machinery and appliances, in accordance
with Republic Act 9295 and its implementing rules and regulations.
The MARINA also issued a Show Cause Order to the shipowner, initiating administrative proceedings in line with Marina rules and regulations.
It is also conducting a Marine Safety Investigation (MSI) to determine the cause of the incident and any administrative proceedings against
the shipowner.
“The safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain the utmost priority, and any reinstatement of the certificate will be based on
favorable recommendations ensuring the vessel’s compliance with all safety standards and regulations,” MARINA said.
MARINA will initiate administrative proceedings relative to its Certificate of Public Convenience once all relevant data is gathered
and the MSI is completed.
They also assured that it is “actively working to address safety violations and enforce regulations” following the tragic incident
involving the motorized banca last week in Binangonan.
“The authority is committed to taking strict actions against such safety violations,” the MARINA said.
It added that it unearthed “challenges in securing financial assistance for the victims and survivors,” saying that the insurance
provider of M/B Aya Express has yet to take action on the incident.
The motorized banca was reportedly struck by a strong wind gust and a huge wave whipped up by typhoon “Egay,” prompting its passengers to
panic and dashed to its left side, causing the vessel to flip over.
It was also reported that M/B Aya Express carried 70 passengers—almost twice its capacity of 42 passengers.
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