Marina suspends operations of owner of ill-fated vessel in Palawan sinking

MANILA, Philippines—The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) suspended the operations of the owner of the M/V Josille 2 which sank off the waters of Palawan, said Nicasio Conti, Marina deputy administrator for planning, over Radyo Inquirer 990AM Friday.

Conti said that they would start conducting public hearings on June 20 to determine if there if they would cancel the franchise and certificate of public convenience (CPC) of the Atienza Shipping Company, owner of the ill-fated vessel.

Initial reports said that the captain of the ship was drunk when it set sail for Palawan without a go signal from the Philippine Coast Guard.

Passenger manifest showed 34 passengers and 12 crew members but Conti said the PCG have rescued 54 with several others missing.

“They have to exercise extraordinary diligence in order to protect the lives of the people on board the ship,” Conti said.

He said they have also cancelled the licenses of and use of the seaman’s book by the captain as well as the other crew members.