TRANSPORTATION Secretary Vince Dizon has directed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to suspend the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate of MV Virgen de Peñafrancia II, the Starhorse Shipping Lines vessel that tilted and listed heavily near the Port of Real in Quezon early Friday, October 30.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight as the vessel was preparing to dock following a voyage from Polillo Island, when a mooring line snapped amid strong water currents, causing the ship to lean sharply to its starboard side and partially submerge approximately 10 meters from the pier. All 58 persons on board — 40 passengers including two infants and 18 crew members — were safely rescued, though three passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to a medical facility for treatment.
The Ro-Ro vessel was transporting 14 vehicles and approximately 1,300 liters of marine diesel fuel in its service tank. As a precautionary measure, the Philippine Coast Guard deployed containment booms around the stricken ship to guard against any potential fuel leakage, though authorities noted there was no immediate threat of a significant oil spill. The Coast Guard confirmed that all passengers and crew were accounted for and assessed, with most cleared as unharmed and the three injured individuals reported in stable condition.
MARINA has formally suspended the vessel’s operating certification and dispatched marine casualty investigators to determine the full circumstances of the incident and identify any safety lapses. The ferry remains barred from sailing until it undergoes a comprehensive safety inspection and is certified seaworthy by maritime authorities. The suspension underscores the government’s commitment to passenger safety, particularly during the heavy Undas travel period, and serves as a directive to the shipping industry to rigorously review and reinforce all vessel and port safety protocols.
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