Bacolod – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has issued a directive to the operator of the M/V Weesam Express 6, SRN Fast Seacrafts, to demonstrate the vessel's seaworthiness before it can resume sailing. This comes after the vessel experienced a distress situation en route to Iloilo City.
According to Philippines News Agency, head of the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Bacolod, the fast craft, carrying 172 passengers and 19 crew members, issued a distress call on Tuesday afternoon due to a rudder failure, a critical component for steering the vessel. Despite the steering issue, the engine and power generator were still functioning. Following the incident, CGSS Bacolod advised the vessel operator to file a marine protest and secure a certificate of seaworthiness from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) before resuming its operations. A marine protest is an official declaration by the ship's master detailing the circumstances of damage or loss, typically to absolve the owner from liability. The M/V Weesam Express 6 encountered the steering problem approximately 30 minutes after departing from Bredco port. After the distress call, CGSS Bacolod coordinated a rescue operation, and the vessel was towed back to Bredco port, arriving past 3 p.m. The operation was escorted by the Coast Guard District Western Visayas's vessel BRP Kalanggaman.