Shipping firm starts own probe on crash with cargo vessel off Talisay City

Fastcat M11 of First Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation was heading to Tubigon town in Bohol from Cebu City when a cargo vessel hit its rear in the vicinity off Lawis Ledge in Talisay City, Cebu. -LTJG MIKE ENCINA/PCG Central Visayas

TAGBILARAN CITY – A shipping company has launched its own investigation on the collision involving one of its fast craft and a cargo vessel on Thursday night in Talisay City, Cebu.

The First Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (FAPFC), operator of FastCat Roll-On Roll-Off ferries, also assured that it would cooperate with the investigation of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and other government and non-government agencies into the incident.

“Our management is conducting its own internal incident investigation,” FAPFC said in a statement. The internal investigation is to determine the root cause of the collision so it could take steps to prevent a similar accident from happening again, it added.

“We strive to uphold the thrust of our company to put safety at the forefront,” it also said.

MV Fastcat M11 of FAPFC collided with MV Ocean United of Oceanic Shipping Lines at 8:45 p.m. Thursday at the vicinity of Lawis Ledge off Talisay City.

Fastcat M11 was bound for Tubigon town in Bohol from Cebu City when the cargo vessel hit its rear end.

Three passengers of FastCat M11 were hurt during the incident, according to the PCG report.

Although the ferry was damaged, it still managed to safely navigate back to Pier 3 in Cebu City around 9:30 p.m.

The MV Ocean United was directed to be moored at the port’s anchorage area.

Both vessels were placed under the custody of authorities pending an investigation and safety inspection, the PCG said.

Authorities have identified Lawis Ledge as a disaster-prone area for vessels because of its narrow passage with rocks on both sides as well as strong current in the area. /kga