On MV Catalyn B and FV Nathalia collision

Ferries form the backbone of mass transport in the archipelago nation of 92 million people. But bad weather, poor maintenance, overcrowding and lax enforcement of regulations have led to frequent disasters.

Sen. Richard Gordon, chair of the Senate blue ribbon committee, agreed that the seaworthiness of both vessels and the capabilities of their respective crew should be checked by maritime authorities.

“They should investigate the equipment and capability of the captains and the crew. Did they have enough communication facilities? Did they understand passage at sea? I can’t understand why they would hit one another,” he said.

“Are the captains qualified? Are the owners exercising due diligence?”

Gordon said an unfinished investigation of sea tragedies by the Senate blue ribbon committee would be expanded to include the latest collision.
“There are too many sinking [boats], too many accidents. We have to know what’s wrong,” he said.

“Every time Christmas comes, boats loaded with people sink. What’s wrong?”

Arroyo orders probe of sea collision

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:06:00 12/26/2009
 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091226-243992/Arroyo-orders-probe-of-sea-collision