MV Susitna awaits christening
To mark the launch of the country’s first humanitarian and disaster response vessel later this month, the Philippine Red Cross is holding a #NameThatRedCrossShip contest open to all its volunteers.
Costing $1.75 million (nearly P88 million), the 195-foot military prototype vessel temporarily named M/V Susitna can carry 120 passengers and 20 vehicles and has an overall freight capacity of up to 35 tons, more than enough to provide relief to people affected by disasters. Its main deck can also be lowered to unload equipment.
Purchased from Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly in Alaska in 2015, the ship arrived on Dec. 7, 2016, at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
According to the PRC chair, Sen. Richard Gordon, the agency’s difficult experience after the devastation caused by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in 2013 highlighted the need for the country to have a ship dedicated to disaster response.
Those who want to join the contest should first sign up to become a Red volunteer. They can go to the #NameThatRedCrossShip microsite at www.redcross.org.ph/name-that-ship for details.
A special prize and an invitation to the ship’s grand launch await the winner.
The PRC is also looking for donors as the fuel cost to complete a relief and rescue mission (from origin to destination and back) using the ship can reach up to P 2.4 million.
Those interested to help out as volunteers, partners or donors can reach PRC through its website at www.redcross.org.ph. —JODEE A. AGONCILLO