BMI starts probe of MV Princess of the Stars tragedy

MANILA, Philippines – The Board on Marine Inquiry (BMI) started on Wednesday its investigation into the tragic sea mishap in Romblon province, GMA's Flash Report said. GMA News' reporter Jun Veneracion said the body was formed to trace the root cause of the capsizing of MV Princess of the Stars off the coast of Sibuyan Island in Romblon over the weekend. The BMI is also set to determine the administrative liabilities and recommend charges that should be filed against the vessel's owner, the Sulpicio Lines Inc. The first to take the witness stand was Edgar Go, the first president of the shipping company. The panel grilled Go regarding the ill-fated ship's seaworthiness. The Sulpicio Lines official was also asked to reveal the last message radioed by the ship's captain before the vessel lost contact with home base. In response, Go said their office in Cebu City last communicated with the ship' crew about 11:30 a.m. Saturday. The ship's captain, Florencio Marimon Sr, reportedly said they were already experiencing difficulty in maneuvering the vessel as it was already beginning to tilt. Marimon, however, reportedly assured that the ship's engine was running fine at the time. For his part, Sulpicio Lines lawyer Arthur Lim put the blame to officials of the Philippine Coast Guard, citing a 1998 memorandum circular that directs the government agency to plot routes for ships during bad weather. The BMI, however, blasted Lim's argument and said that a revised memorandum circular released in June 2007 clearly stated that full responsibility is given to the ship's owner and captain in such a circumstance. The hearing, which ended about noon, will resume on Friday. Officials from the shipping company's office in Cebu City will be invited to recount their last conversation with the ship's crew. - GMANews.TV