Vessel owner given until tomorrow to find salvor

THE owner of the ill-fated MV Maria Angelica Grace asked for a three-day deadline extension until tomorrow to hire a salvor to recover its sunken vessel off Cabahug wharf in Looc, Mandaue City.

Coast Guard Cebu station commander Weniel Azcuna said Salvador Rapal sent him a message informing him that he was unable to find a salvor in time for last Friday’s deadline.

“He asked for a three-day extension until Monday. I approved his request because of his intent to cooperate,” Azcuna said.

The salvor would be tasked to remove the remaining fuel from the vessel’s tank and bring it to the surface.

If Rapal fails to find a salvor, the Coast Guard will designate one. The salvor will be required to present its plan on how to recover the vessel.  Azcuna said Coast Guard personnel  didn’t spot any more oil slicks in the vicinity.

Azcuna also said the MV Super Shuttle Ferry 14 will be grounded after it stalled for several minutes at sea while traveling from Hagnaya port in San Remegio to Sta Fe in Bantayan Island at 5:30 p.m last Friday.

Azcuna said the vessel’s engine should be inspected by engineers from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) since the incident involved engine derangement.

He also clarified that the MV Super Shuttle Ferry 14 sailed back to Hagnaya port and its 75 passengers were transferred to sister vessel Super Shuttle Ferry 23, which brought them to Sta Fe that same night. Correspondent Jhunnex Napallacan