SUPERFERRY 9: RP’s TITANIC?

by Irenerose Susi

Last Sunday, Superferry  9 which departed from General Santos to Iloilo submerged at 9:10 am in the shark-infested tropical waters of Zamboanga City leaving 12 people dead out of 968 passengers. The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has ordered the suspension of the Aboitz’s Transport System’s fleet following the sinking of the Superferry. Questions were raised on what is supposed to be blamed and who is responsible for this tragedy. Why should there be deaths and tragedies before Filipinos really learn?

Authorities have reported that the ship was not overloaded. It was not terrorism either. PAGASA reported that the weather was fair, and the sea was moderate. Clearly, those concerned followed the guidelines to the letter.

Where did the lapse take place?

The government and its agencies should look into two aspects: the ship’s seaworthiness and the crew’s competence. It is common knowledge that most of the country’s ships are old and dilapidated. The money involved in repairing these ships runs into millions and more if a shipping company procured a new one. Because in this part of the world, money seems to occupy a higher place in the hierarchy of preferences, these ships are converted into sailing coffins.

The crew’s competence should also be looked into, or the curriculum of these schools where these sailors graduated. Are the materials updated to international standards? Are our sailors professionals, and not holders of fake sea books?

In any industry where life is at stake, everyone must be responsible and be decisive. One error may cause a tragedy of huge proportions. One should take care of his every action because life may snuff in just a blink of an eye. And everybody’s dream drowns.