PCG Investigates vessel fire

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has completed its initial assessment and search of the passenger and crew areas of the fire-gutted MV June Aster, as investigators move closer to determining what caused the deadly blaze and possible liabilities.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said response teams have fully accessed and searched the vessel’s bridge, crew accommodations, economy passenger area and air-conditioned passenger area.

“These areas have been 100 percent penetrated by our response teams. A secondary sweep will be conducted to ensure the recovery of any remaining evidence and other materials relevant to the ongoing investigation,” Cayabyab said in a statement on 14 September.

The investigation is being conducted on two fronts — maritime safety and maritime crime — to establish the circumstances surrounding the 9 September fire and determine whether violations or other liabilities may have been committed.

About 65 percent of the cargo hold has also been accessed, with search operations continuing in the remaining sections.

The PCG has directed the vessel operator to immediately engage a competent salvor to continue recovery and siphoning operations. The salvor will also assess the structural integrity and condition of the vessel.

Authorities have been siphoning water from the engine room since Saturday, with the oily water mixture collected so far transferred into 13 drums for proper handling.

The PCG said it will also deploy a legal team to assist victims and bereaved families with claims-related concerns.

Meantime, the PCG also confirmed that the captain of the fire-stricken vessel voluntarily surrendered to company representatives in Palawan on Monday, five days after a catastrophic fire aboard the ferry left dozens dead and several missing.

On Tuesday, the PCG disclosed that Capt. Roel Sarmiento appeared at the office of Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. on 14 September. He was accompanied by Dindo Macalinao, human resources manager for the shipping line, before his arrival was reported to the government’s Emergency Operations Center.