Criminal raps filed vs Sulpicio Lines execs, ‘Princess’ captain

MANILA, Philippines – The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has filed criminal complaints against the officers of Sulpicio Lines Inc. and the missing captain of the MV Princess of the Stars in connection with the passenger vessel’s sinking last June 21. Complainants in the suit, which was lodged before the Department of Justice (DOJ), were 13 [...]

Investigator blames captain for Philippine ferry tragedy

The captain of a Philippines ship that sank in a typhoon killing nearly 800 people dead was to blame for the disaster, an investigator said Wednesday. The captain took the ship to sea despite a typhoon warning, preliminary results of an official investigation into the sinking of the Princess of the Stars ferry found. “Human [...]

P9.8-M suit starts wave of civil cases vs Sulpicio

MANILA, Philippines – A P9.8-million civil suit was lodged Thursday against Sulpicio Lines Inc. for the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy, even as government lawyers said more suits are to come. Radio dzRH reported Thursday afternoon that relatives of Jonathan Calayag lodged the case before the Manila regional trial court with the help of [...]

BMI closes ‘Princess’ tragedy probe; findings out next week

MANILA, Philippines – The Board of Marine Inquiry (BMI) on Thursday closed its investigation into the capsizing of MV Princess of the Stars off Sibuyan Island last June 21. At the end of Thursday’s hearing, BMI chair Rear Admiral Ramon Liwag said the Board is terminating its investigation into the incident, saying the group has [...]

‘Princess’ should have returned to Manila, maritime expert says

MANILA, Philippines – A maritime expert on Thursday said the master of the MV Princess of the Stars may have erred in deciding to push through the vessel’s pre-plotted course which led to the ship’s capsizing off Sibuyan Island at the height of typhoon “Frank” last June 21. During the resumption of the Board of [...]

EU to send mission after Philippines ferry disaster

The European Union is to send a mission of experts to investigate toxic chemicals on board a Philippine ferry which sank carrying more than 850 people, French officials said Friday. Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie decided after discussions with the foreign and European affairs ministries that an EU “mission of expertise and support” should be sent [...]

BMI findings in major marine mishaps

GMA News Research compiled a list of 49 major sea mishaps from 1980 up to the recent M/V Princess of the Stars incident. The list is mostly sourced from Board of Marine Inquiry data (1980-2006) and news reports (2007-2008). News Research has brief details on the BMI findings in 20 mishaps, from the Doña Paz [...]

Arroyo gives 15-day deadline for ‘Princess’ tragedy probe

MANILA, Philippines – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday gave the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 15 days to complete its investigation report on the capsizing of MV Princess of the Stars off Romblon at the height of typhoon “Frank.” Radio dzBB’s Nimfa Ravelo reported that President Arroyo issued the deadline in a speech she delivered [...]

US clears 100,000 dollar aid for Philippine ferry victims

The US government on Monday sent 100,000 dollars in emergency aid for families of the victims of a Philippine ferry tragedy, a top official said. The donation, the maximum amount that can be sent to the US Embassy in Manila without prior authorization from Congress, was forwarded to the Philippine Red Cross, said State Department [...]

Sulpicio, missing ship captain blamed for sea tragedy

MANILA, Philippines – The missing captain of the MV Princess of the Stars has much to account for in the capsizing of the vessel in the wake of typhoon “Frank” last weekend, officials of the Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) claimed Wednesday. Coast Guard commandant Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said ship Captain [...]