‘Erratic maneuver’ one of causes of Ormoc boat tragedy

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has submitted to the transportation department its final report on the sinking of the boat in Ormoc in July that killed 62 of the passengers, identifying “erratic maneuver” as one of the causes of the accident.

Rear Admiral William Melad, PCG deputy commandant, said on Tuesday, September 22, that the fact-finding board forwarded in August its report on the M/B Kim Nirvana-B to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the PCG’s mother agency.

The boat, which was bound for Camotes Island in Cebu, had a capacity of 178, but was carrying 207 passengers at the time of the accident. It sank just shortly after it left the port of Ormoc.

While probers from the PCG’s Maritime Safety Service Command identified several “proximate causes” of the sinking of the passenger boat, Melad discussed only the finding that the skipper, a certain Warren Oliverio, made an ”off-hand” maneuver of the boat.

Melad explained that the sudden turn that the boat took made the cargos shift, causing the boat to lose its balance. 

“You would understand this was a motor boat. There was placement of cargo. When it veered, a little movement of cargo occurred then the chain reaction came next,” he told a few reporters on the sidelines of the National Maritime Week opening ceremonies.

The investigators got the testimonies of the ship captain, survivors, and witnesses. The owner of the ship was directed to submit the passenger manifest, the voyage plan, and other documents.

During the investigation the following were relieved from their posts:

• Captain Pedro Tinampay, district commander of PCG in Eastern Visayas
• Lieutenant John Anasco, PCG station commander in Ormoc City 
• Seaman Second Class Fidel Blanco, member of the vessel boarding team
• Apprentice Seaman Jonas Sabado, member of the vessel boarding team

Philippine police have filed murder charges against the owner and crew of the passenger ferry.

The DOTC is expected to announce the complete findings soon. – Rappler.com