PCG forms panel to look into 2GO’s no-salvage bid
Philippine Coast Guard boats and personnel deployed off the Lauis Ledge in Talisay to search the wreckage of the ill-fated ‘MV St. Thomas Aquinas’ in this September 2013 file photo.
The Philippine Coast Guard has formed a committee to look into the proposal of 2Go Shipping to keep the wreckage of their ill-fated ship undisturbed on the seabed of Lauis Ledge off Talisay City.
The committee, which was formed last Friday by the PCG headquarters in Manila, includes representatives of salvors, technical experts and members of the Special Board Marine of Inquiry (SBMI) handling the Aug. 16, 2013 collision between the MV St Thomas Aquinas and the freighter Sulpicio Express Siete.
“Since we have a different stand from 2GO shipping then we need a group of people to make the final decision,” Cmdr. Weniel Azcuña, chief of staff of PCG Central Visayas District, told Cebu Daily News.
He said Commo. Gilbert Rueras, who chairs the SBMI, will also head the committee.
The MV St. Thomas Aquinas of 2GO Shipping sank near Lauis Ledge after it collided with the freighter owned by the Philippine Span Asia Carriers Corp.
Azcuna said they stand firm on their recommendation that the ferry be salvaged as it poses danger to navigation.
Azcuña said they will ask the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for technical advice on the issue. “The salvaging of the ship is very technical. We need a lot of experts for advice,” he said.
The committee has yet to convene its first meeting. The meeting will be held at the PCG headquarters in Manila.
Azcuña said he will also sit in the committee representing the district command.
“We are always reiterating our stand at the headquarters because there is really a slow development with regard to the salvaging of the ship,” he added.
2GO Shipping together with London Offshore Consultation (LOC) Pte. Ltd., as their consultant earlier said that there is no need to salvage the vessel because it is not hazardous to shipping.
Azcuna said he hopes the committee can come up with the decision next month in time for the first anniversary of the accident.
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