SAYS BMI CHIEF
Not enough time to abandon distressed ship?
By Katherine Evangelista
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 00:29:00 07/05/2008
Filed Under: Maritime Accidents, Sulpicio ferry disaster
MANILA, Philippines -- There might not be enough time for passengers and crew to leave the sinking MV Princess of the Stars, the chief of the panel investigating the tragedy said Friday.
Board of Marine Inquiry chairman Rear Admiral Ramon C. Liwag made this comment following the testimony of Princess messman Seriaco Nuñez.
At Friday’s hearing, Nuñez said strong waves and winds began to batter the ship at around 9 a.m. on June 21. Many of the frightened passengers were already wearing life vests, he said.
During that time, he said the ship was already listing, making it difficult for the more than 800 passengers and crew on board to walk upright.
The ship’s skipper, Captain Florencio Marimon Sr., ordered to prepare to leave the distressed ship at 11:30 a.m., Nuñez said. Ten minutes later, the abandon ship order was given, he added.
Most passengers jumped off the ship's portside (left side), Nuñez said.
He said he was able to save himself by climbing on one of the deployed inflatable lifeboats.
Nuñez and his companions were later rescued in Mulanay town, in Quezon province.
Of the more than 800 people on board the ship when it sank, only 57 have been found alive.
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