Calayan folks elated over prospect of new seaworthy vessel

TUGUEGARAO, Philippines - Jubilance have finally taken over the gloom that hounded the people of Calayan Island since the tragic sea disaster two months ago. The accident, which happened a few days before Christmas, took the lives of more than 50 people who were on their way to celebrate the holidays with their relatives in mainland Cagayan. In an interview, Calayan Mayor Joseph Llopis announced that a bigger and more seaworthy vessel will be arriving at their port very soon to once again service the islanders. Llopis said a resolution have been passed by the local council to apply for a bank loan in addition to the P10 million support pledged by Governor Alvaro Antonio and P15 million from Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s development fund for the acquisition of a new boat. According to the mayor, the new boat is sturdier, can cut travel time by half, and capable of ferrying a maximum of 200 people in a round-trip journey to and from the mainland, a treat for the islanders who have to cram into a small boat and sail for eight hours across dangerous waters. Travel within the Calayan group of islands have been limited since the tragedy due to fears of another accident since its old and small boats have been declared by the Maritime Industry Authority unfit for long sea journeys. The Calayan Islands lie midway between mainland Aparri and the Batanes group of islands dotting the China Sea on the northernmost tip of Luzon. - GMANews.TV