One person has died and nearly 100 others were rescued after a ferry carrying 98 people in the central Philippines encountered an accident. The vessel, named King Sto. Nino 7, struck floating debris at sea, causing it to take on water. This incident marks the third mishap of its kind in the country within a week.
Despite the rescue efforts, a female passenger suffered a heart attack and tragically passed away during the scramble for safety as water began to gush into the wooden-hulled ferry. However, all the remaining passengers and crew members were successfully saved from the perilous situation.
Sea accidents are unfortunately common in the Philippines due to a combination of factors, including frequent storms, poorly maintained boats, overcrowding, and weak enforcement of safety regulations. The recent incident sheds light on the need for improved safety measures and stricter enforcement to prevent such accidents and protect the lives of passengers and crew members.
Authorities received distress calls from some passengers on board the King Sto. Nino 7, prompting the coast guard and nearby ferry boats to quickly respond and initiate the rescue operation. The 93 passengers and five crew members were brought to a nearby village, and three passengers sustained injuries during the incident.
This incident comes just days after another similar accident where a wooden ferry boat struck floating debris off Polillo island in the northeastern province of Quezon. Fortunately, all 60 passengers and seven crew members were successfully rescued by other ferry boats and the coast guard.
Moreover, the Philippines witnessed a tragic incident last week when an overcrowded ferry boat capsized minutes after leaving Binangonan town, resulting in the loss of 27 lives. The boat was overwhelmed by strong winds, causing panic among the passengers and leading to the vessel overturning. The swift actions of the coast guard and other rescuers ensured the safe recovery of more than 40 passengers and crew members.
As a result, criminal charges have been filed against the skipper of the capsized ferry, as well as his two crewmen, the owner of the vessel, and a coast guard officer who allowed the overloaded ferry to sail. The skipper, who is currently detained, admitted he was aware of the overcapacity but failed to convince the excess passengers to disembark.
The Philippines has unfortunately witnessed maritime disasters in the past, with one of the most devastating occurrences being the sinking of the ferry Dona Paz in December 1987. The collision between the ferry and a fuel tanker claimed the lives of over 4,300 people, marking it as the world’s worst peacetime maritime disaster.
To avoid such incidents and ensure the safety of passengers and crew members, it is crucial for the Philippines to prioritize the enforcement of safety regulations, upkeep of boats, and appropriate response mechanisms during emergencies. The government, coast guard, and relevant authorities should work together to mitigate risks and protect lives at sea.
In conclusion, the recent ferry accident in the central Philippines resulting in one fatality and the successful rescue of nearly 100 individuals highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in the maritime sector. Authorities must take proactive steps to prevent such incidents, ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers and crew members traversing the country’s waters.
