Coast Guard to probe 2 more ‘Frank’ sea mishaps

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard has started an investigation of two more sea mishaps that occurred at the height of typhoon "Frank" last June. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported Friday that Coast Guard commandant Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo ordered the Board of Marine Inquiry to look into the two incidents in Western Visayas. Heading the board will be Commodore William Melad of the Coast Guard's Western Visayas unit. First to be investigated is the case of the "Lake Paoay," a cargo ship hauling 5,000 metric tons of coal that sank off Carles, Iloilo. The "Lake Paoay," operated by the Semirara Mining Company, left Semirara Island in Antique for Toledo City in Cebu. On the other hand, the board will look into the sinking of the "Ocean Papa," which sank off the coast of Antique. The "Ocean Papa" was found to be carrying tons of a carcinogenic toxic substance, toluene di-isocyanate (TDI). On Thursday, the BMI finished its investigation into the tragedy that befell MV Princess of the Stars, which capsized June 21 off Sibuyan Island in Romblon province. - GMANews.TV