Press Release
September 8, 2009

Cause of Superferry 9 Sinking, A Repeat of the Princess of the Stars?

Senator Rodolfo G Biazon today said the investigation of the sinking of the Superferry 9 should focus and include the following:

1. Was there an alteration of the ship after its acquisition in 1986 from Japan to increase its cargo and passenger capacity? This was the case of the Princess of the Stars which sank near Romblon where its capacity was increased by 19% from 19,000 tons to 23,000 tons which definitely changed its center of gravity that was a factor in the capsizing of the ship.

2. A determination of the lashing of the cargo, specially the container vans and other heavy cargo which is also suspected of the Princess of the Stars, a major factor in the sinking of the two ships. Pictures show that the Superferry 9 had container vans tilting to the starboard causing the listing of the ship and eventually capsizing.

3. Were the ballast tanks properly utilized? Again, the Princess of the Stars was suspected to have not used its ballast tanks to stabilize the ship. In the case of the Aboitiz ship, were the ballast tanks used for another purpose like the transport of bulk oil?

4. Who gave the clearance to sail considering that even after departure from port, the ship was already listing as per reports of the survivors? Was there an inspection made by the appropriate authorities for the sea worthiness of the ship?

5. Was there sufficient safety of life at sea (SOLAS) equipment such as lifeboats, and life jackets?

Because of this, and other incidents within the week and in the past, Senator Biazon recommends the following:

1. There is a need to clearly define the distribution of powers and functions among the agencies of government;

2. To pass all the maritime bills - Coast Guard Bill ( now in the period of interpellation ); Maritime Code (pending in the committees of constitutional amendments, revision of codes and laws and public services); National Transportation Safety Board Act of 2008 (pending in the committees of civil service and government organization, public services and finance); and the Maritime Administration Act of 2007 (pending in the committees of constitutional amendments, revision of codes and laws, public services and ways and means).

3. The suspension of the trips of both Sulpicio and Aboitiz ships should not be prolonged because for every day of suspension, the economy is badly affected. The DOTC must therefore fast track the inspections of the merchant ships of the two shipping lines for sea worthiness so that ships that pass the inspections will be cleared to set sail.

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