"ON LAND, when a driver figures in a road accident, especially if it involves physical injury or loss of life, he is immediately detained or charged if there is no agreement reached between the other party. But at sea, ship captains remain “scot free” even if they figure in the worst maritime disaster." -Bobby Nalzaro
It has been a year since the drastic tragedy happened - the collision of MV St. Thomas Aquinas and cargo vessel MV Sulpicio Express 7. In yesterday's newspaper, BMI (Board of Marine Inquiry) published the results of the investigation carried out by the Special Board of Marine Inquiry (SBMI) and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina). The result states that both captains of the ship made an error in navigating their ships which caused the collision. Under the rules of the BMI, the ship, MV St. Thomas Aquinas should have given way, while the other ship, MV Sulpicio Express 7 should have kept its course. Bsag balibalihon pa ning storyaha, both captains of the ship are liable for this disaster.
But you know what's the catch?
The captains of both ship were NOT given any sanctions or penalties since according to BMI their authority is solely restricted on setting-up measure and regulations so that such incident would not happen again. PRC only got their licenses and off they go.
Where is justice?
The incident merely killed hundreds of people and still others are left missing. What's your say in respect to this issue? Will we just allow them to walk freely, and enjoy life like nothing happened? Are both shipping companies so powerful that they managed to get away? Whose fault do you think is it?
Bobby Nalazaro wrote, "If I had my way, I will hang those ships captains or throw them into the sea so they can join the missing passengers. I am quite sure the two captains were given other assignments"
What's your opinion?