Trans-Asia ship aborts voyage after generator conks out off Shell Is.

A PASSENGER ferry en route to Cagayan de Oro City turned back to the port of Cebu Wednesday night after it encountered a generator problem near Shell island.

Philippine Coast Guard Cebu station commander Rodolfo Villajuan said all 580 passengers of the MV Trans-Asia 5 were safe.

“Before it departed Cebu, PCG conducted an inspection. There was no problem found,” Villajuan said.
The generator was immediately repaired and the vessel docked safely at pier 5 at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Shell island is two nautical miles away from Pier 5 where the vessel is docked.

“There’s no problem with the vessel’s engine, it’s the generator. It’s difficult to travel without power so the trip was cut short,” Villajuan said.

He also clarified that contrary to rumors that initially circulated in social media, the ferry didn’t hit the Ludo Bridge near the South Road Properties (SRP).

“The vessel was far from the bridge. The distance of the vessel from the bridge was 200 meters,” Villajuan said.

Weniel Azcuna, chief of staff of the PCG Central Visayas district, said the ship’s master, Capt. Ramonie A. Gencono, already submitted his marine protest on the incident.

All masters of ships involved in accidents or incidents at sea are procedurally required to submit a marine protest with the Coast Guard.

Azcuna added the passengers were transferred to MV Trans Asia 9. Those who sought a refund were also accommodated by the shipping company.