Marina suspends safety permit of vessel grounded in Surigao City

BUTUAN CITY — The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has immediately suspended the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) of MV Georgia 1 after the vessel ran aground at the Port of Surigao in Surigao City early Thursday.

In a statement, Marina said the suspension was done in keeping with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon’s directive to ensure safe and reliable sea transport services.

Operated by San Ricardo Shipping Lines Corp., MV Georgia 1 departed from San Ricardo, Southern Leyte, and arrived at the Port of Surigao around 4 a.m. on Thursday.

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According to Marina’s initial report, the vessel encountered sudden gusts of wind and strong sea currents during low tide while maneuvering to dock, pushing it toward shallow waters where it ran aground.

Marina Officer-in-Charge Administrator Loumer Bernabe stressed that passenger safety must never be compromised to maintain shipping operations.

“No vessel should be allowed to continue operating until its seaworthiness is assured,” Bernabe said in Filipino.

Marina said an underwater inspection is underway to assess the condition of the ship’s hull, while the shipping company has been ordered to submit a notarized Marine Protest.

The vessel’s PSSC will remain suspended until Marina completes its inspection and evaluation, confirming that the ship is safe to sail again./coa