The Maritime Industry Authority said Friday it suspended the permit of vessel operator MBca AYA EXPRESS after one of its boats capsized off Barangay Kalinawan in Binangonan, Rizal on July 27, 2023.
MARINA said it suspended the passenger ship safety certificate of MBca AYA EXPRESS effective immediately or until further notice from the agency, in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9295 and its implementing rules and regulations, specifically the Ship Survey System outlined in MARINA Memorandum Circular No. MS-2023-01 and MARINA Administrative Order No. 11-19.
It said it made the decision following the unfortunate incident in Laguna de Bay, which raises concerns about the integrity of the ship’s hull, integral parts and other affected machineries/appliances.
MARINA said the suspension of the ship safety certificate would only be lifted following a thorough inspection of the vessel and a comprehensive evaluation by MARINA inspectors.
“The safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain the utmost priority, and any reinstatement of the certificate will be based on favorable recommendations ensuring the vessel’s compliance with all safety standards and regulations,” MARINA said.
MARINA said it would immediately conduct a marine safety investigation once the search and rescue was completed.
It also issued a show cause order to the ship owner to start the administrative proceedings pursuant to relevant MARINA rules and regulations.
MARINA said it is gathering data and information on the cause of the maritime incident which left more than 20 casualties.