Fast ferry with 85 passengers breaks down off Cebu
CEBU CITY, Philippines — An Oceanjet passenger ferry with 85 passengers on board was towed to port on Tuesday by a sister vessel after it experienced engine trouble while sailing from Poro town on Camotes Island to Cebu City.
Cebu Coast Guard Station Commander Agapito Bibat said OceanJet 15 first encountered engine problem in waters off Liloan town, northern Cebu.
Because the vessel had two engines, the crew decided to continue sailing toward Pier 1 in Cebu City using its second engine at a low speed.
But the ferry’s second engine malfunctioned while sailing in the FF Cruz area in Mandaue City.
The vessel stopped at sea while waiting for OceanJet 11 to arrive.
Bibat said OceanJet 11 towed OceanJet 15 to Pier 1 while a coast guard sea craft followed them.
As of noon, the two vessels had not arrived at the pier.
All 85 passengers were unharmed, said Bibat. CBB/rga
