Probe into MV Lady of Mt. Carmel sinking to kick off this week

THE MV LADY of Mount Carmel docked at the port of Masbate on its maiden voyage on June 11. The ferry sank at dawn on June 14 in the calm waters off Burias Island, 307 kilometers south of Manila. CONTRIBUTED BY NERI JAZUL

MANILA, Philippines – A Board of Marine Inquiry will convene this week to investigate the sinking of MV Lady of Mt. Carmel off Burias Island last Friday.

Rafaelito Alejandro of the Office of Civil Defense told INQUIRER.net Tuesday that the investigation will be led by the Maritime Industry Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Search and rescue operations shifted to search and retrieval operations Monday as hopes dimmed for the seven persons still missing.

Two drowned from the sinking, while 55 were rescued.

Alejandro said there is still no indication of an oil spill from the ill-fated ferry, which is believed to be located on the seabed several hundred meters under water.

The roll on, roll off vessel that sank is owned by the shipping firm, Cebu-based Medallion Transport.