Marina grounds 2 vessels after Cagayan, Bohol mishaps

MANILA, Philippines — The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) suspended the Passenger Ship Safety Certificates (PSSCs) of two vessels involved in separate maritime incidents in Cagayan and Bohol on Saturday.

In a statement on Sunday, Marina said it ordered the immediate suspension of the safety certificates of motor banca (MBca) Rose Marie 1 and passenger vessel MV OceanJet 788 following the incidents.

Initial reports indicated that rough seas and uncontrolled movements of livestock may have caused the Rose Marie 1 to capsize at around 8:15 a.m. between Dalupiri Island and Fuga Island in Cagayan.

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All seven crew members survived the incident, but six of the 11 animals on board died, Marina said.

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In a letter dated Oct. 31 addressed to OceanJet 788’s operator, Ocean Fast Ferry Inc., Marina Central Visayas regional director Engr. Ronaldo Bandalaria said the vessel suffered an electrical failure in its bridge engine control/throttle system at around 10:57 a.m. while maneuvering to dock at Tagbilaran Port in Bohol.

The malfunction resulted in the loss of the vessel’s reverse propulsion, prompting concerns about its seaworthiness.

“The suspension of PSSC of OceanJet 788 shall remain in effect and may be restored/reinstated after a satisfactory result of Marina survey and/or evaluation of all available data surrounding the seaworthiness of the vessel,” Marina said.

LIVE UPDATES: Undas 2026 | Nov. 1

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Marina cited Republic Act No. 9295, its implementing rules and regulations, Marina Memorandum Circular No. MS 2023-01 and the Ship Survey System as legal bases for the suspension.

The suspension prevents the vessels from operating until they pass a safety inspection and Marina determines that they are seaworthy,  the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said in a separate statement on Sunday.

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According to the DoTr, the action was in line with President Marcos’ directive to ensure passenger safety across all transportation sectors during the Undas season, where Filipinos are expected to travel to different parts of the country to visit their departed loved ones.

READ: MV Peñafrancia’s safety certificate suspended after listing in Quezon

Following the incidents, Marina Deputy Administrator for Operations Rear Adm. Loumer Bernabe (ret.) directed the agency’s Enforcement Service and regional offices to intensify nationwide compliance monitoring, onboard inspections and enforcement operations.

Marina said it would take decisive regulatory action against vessels and operators found to be compromising the safety of passengers, crew members, cargo and the traveling public.

“No vessel should be allowed to sail unless its safety and seaworthiness are assured. Our priority remains the protection of lives at sea and the prevention of maritime accidents,” Bernabe said. /mcm/gsg

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has suspended the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) of MV OceanJet 788 after the vessel ran aground at the loading dock of Tagbilaran Port in Bohol on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The suspension prevents the vessel from operating until it passes a safety inspection and Marina determines that it is seaworthy, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said on Sunday.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered Marina to suspend the vessel’s PSSC following Saturday’s incident, which frightened passengers aboard the fastcraft.

The DoTr said the action was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure passenger safety across all transportation sectors during the Undas, when Filipinos are expected to travel to different parts of the country to visit their departed loved ones.

In a letter dated Oct. 31 addressed to OceanJet 788’s operator, Ocean Fast Ferry Inc., Marina Central Visayas Regional Director Engr. Ronaldo Bandalaria said the vessel suffered an electrical failure in its bridge engine control/throttle system at around 10:57 a.m. while maneuvering to dock at Tagbilaran Port.

LIVE UPDATES: Undas 2026 | Nov. 1

The malfunction resulted in the loss of the vessel’s reverse propulsion, raising concerns about its seaworthiness.

“The suspension of PSSC of MV OceanJet 788 shall remain in effect and may be restored/reinstated after a satisfactory result of Marina survey and/or evaluation of all available data surrounding the seaworthiness of the vessel,” Marina said.

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The agency cited Republic Act No. 9295, its implementing rules and regulations, Marina Memorandum Circular No. MS 2023-01, and the Ship Survey System as legal bases for the suspension. /mcm