Talisay city seeks new lighthouse off Lauis Ledge

A 16-METER-high light atop ruins of an old concrete structure off Lauis Ledge serves as a beacon for passing ships.

But what Talisay City wants is a real lighthouse.

The City Council last Tuesday approved a motion asking the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to put up a lighthouse off Lauis Ledge, part of a reef off waters of barangay Tangke.

The request was prompted by the Aug. 16 collision of MV St. Thomas Aquinas and Sulpicio Express Siete that resulted in the deaths of more than 100 passengers.

City Councilor Jojo Bacaltos said a lighthouse would serve rve as a marker for vessels to prevent another collision.

A 2011 report by the US Government describes this facility as “Lauis Ledge Light”. “The temporary light mounted on a steel pole on top of ruins of the old structure has been removed. Several buoys marks the South edge of the reef soutwest of Mactan Island. These buoys are reported missing (2011).”

The Maritime Industry Authority investigating the collision said improving the Lauis Ledge Light so it can be seen by passing ships and a Vessel Traffic Management System would improve safety of navigation. Correspondent Gabriel C. Bonjoc