MV Unilink cargo vessel (green color vessel background) still not allowed to sail while the Naga City government review the proposal of the ship owner on how to go about the repair of the damage concrete post (background post) of undercronstruction boardwalk after it run aground due to strong winds at Naga City seaside Plaza last July 19,2016. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
ALMOST two weeks after it rammed the ongoing construction of the boardwalk in Naga City, southern Cebu the MV Unilink II was still not allowed to sail yet.
In a text message to Cebu Daily News, Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong said Unilink Shipping Corporation has just submitted its proposal to settle the damage last July 29.
The proposal is still being reviewed by contractor CS Santiago Construction Co. Inc.
The ship, with 14 crewmen and five officers on board, dropped anchor last July 19 in Barangay Poblacion, Naga. But strong winds and waves swept the 222-ton vessel to the shore, slamming it into the boardwalk.
Chiong said the contractor already submitted an estimate of the damage but refused to give the exact amount pending ongoing negotiations with the shipping company.
Engr. Arthur Villamor, city administrator, in a separate interview said the contractor of the P61.1 million boardwalk project has agreed with the proposal of the shipping firm on the scope of work.
The contractor will do the restoration work, while the shipping company will do the clearing of the damaged piles.
In a visit by the CDN News team last Saturday, the ship was still anchored a few meters away from the baywalk area in Barangay East Poblacion.
When reached to comment last Sunday, Commander Agapito Bibat of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Cebu Station said the cargo ship safety certificate was still being suspended by the Maritime Industry Authority regional office (Marina-7).
However, the ship was given a special permit by Marina-7 to sail to Tayud, Consolacion for repairs.
He said the ship’s propeller suffered dents after hitting the concrete posts of the boardwalk.
But he clarified that the vessel will not be allowed to leave until it will settle its obligation.
After the repairs, the vessel will again be inspected by Marina-7 to check its seaworthiness before it will be allowed to sail and resume normal operations.