‘Four Trans-Asia ships OK for travel’

Four vessels of the Tran-Asia Shipping Lines Inc. (TASLI) have been cleared for travel by the Maritime Industry Authority in Central Visayas (Marina-7) yesterday.

“Marina has lifted the suspension order of four passenger vessels of TASLI after passing re-inspection and additional safety management audit conducted by the Marina Regional Office in coordination with the Phillipine Coast Guard,” said the statement said Nannette Villamor- Dinopol, Marina-7 regional director.

The vessels cleared by Marina are MV Trans-Asia 3, MV Trans-Asia 5 and MV Trans-Asia Indonesia.

The MV Trans-Asia 2, which suffered a fire at its cargo area on Tuesday damaging some cargoes,  was also cleared for travel yesterday.

Marina grounded nine vessels of Trans-Asia last August 1 after MV Asia Malaysia, one of the shipping firm’s vessels, stalled and sank in Iloilo.

Marina and PCG are still investigating the sinking.

Meanwhile, Marina will continue to investigate the other grounded vessels, which include MV Asia China, MV Asia Philippines and MV Asia Japan.

They would also meet with the TASLI authorities for the hearing of show-cause order on Aug. 15. /Reporter Candeze R.

Mongaya