Marina suspends Super Shuttle fleet

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) suspended the fleet of Asia Marine Transport Corp. after one of its vessels ran aground in the shallow waters off the town of Merida in Leyte last Aug. 21.

The shipping company’s M/V Super Shuttle Ferry 15 carrying 191 passengers ran aground and drifted at sea after losing power.

According to Jose Cabatingan, Marina 7 spokesman, the Marina Central Office in Manila issued the fleet suspension to all vessels of Asia Marine Transport Corp. last Friday.

Cabatingan said Asia Marine Transport’s sea vessels will undergo inspection by Marina.

Asia Marine Transport Corp. operates 24 vessels under the Super Shuttle Ferry, Super Shuttle Roro and Shuttle Fast Ferry brands.

The Cebu-based company serves several destinations in Cebu, including Hagnaya to Bantayan Island, Danao to Camotes Island, and Oslob to Larena, and Siqujor routes.

The shipping company offers passenger and cargo transport in 35 port destinations throughout the country.

The M/V Super Shuttle Ferry reportedly experienced engine failure and lost power at 11:40 p.m. last Aug. 21, more than two hours after it left the privately owned GGC port in Ormoc City.

At 3:10 a.m, 185 passengers transferred from Shuttle 15 to Shuttle 23, which arrived back at the Ormoc port at 6:30 a.m.

No one was reported hurt or injured. /Reported Rhea Ruth V. Rosell