IOHSAD calls for independent probe on sea disaster

“The Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD), a non-profit safety organization, extends condolences to the victims of the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy and prays for more survivors,” said Noel Colina, Executive Director of IOHSAD.

Last Saturday, June 21, 2008, after sailing from Manila, the ship sank off the coast of Romblon with more than 800 passengers, including more than a 100 crew members after Typhoon Frank (Fengsheng) battered the rest of the Philippines.

“Sulpicio Lines and its owner should provide assistance to the victims and to its workers who both suffered from the incident. All efforts must be done to swiftly conduct a search and rescue operation for both the victims and survivors. And despite the whole nation mourning, there is a need for an independent and extensive investigation as to what really happened that lead to this disaster,” said Colina.

Colina stressed the need to investigate the culpability of Sulpicio lines and other private and government agencies involved in managing sea travel. “This is not the first time a ship from Sulpicio lines have been involved in sea disasters. Almost 21 years ago, on December 20, 1987, the MV Dona Paz, owned and operated by Sulpicio lines, collided with an oil tanker and more than 4,000 people died, making it the worst sea disaster in modern history.”