Trans-Asia vessel cleared to sail

MARITIME authorities are working to clear a second Trans-Asia vessel after one passenger vessel got the green light to sail at past 3 p.m. yesterday.

Jose Cabatingan, information officer of the Maritime Industry Authority in Central Visayas (Marina-7), said that like the Trans-Asia 5, the MV Trans-Asia 3 complied with safety standards after the management rectified minor deficiencies found during the inspection.

Eight ships are still docked at the Cebu City port pending completion of the inspection by the Coast Guard.

Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) administrator Emerson Lorenzo lifted the suspension order for Trans-Asia 5, one of nine vessels that were docked after last Sunday’s sinking of MV Asia Malaysia.

Cabatingan said the recommendation for lifting the suspension on MV Trans-Asia 3 was sent to Lorenzo yesterday afternoon..

Marina-7 inspectors already inspected five of nine vessels of Trans-Asia Shipping Lines.

Julian Sy Jr., management representative and spokesman, said he is happy about the report.

Sy announced that MV Trans-Asia 5 was expected to sail at 8 p.m. yesterday for Cagayan de Oro City because of pending cargoes.

He said Trans-Asia 3 serves as alternate vessel of Trans-Asia 5 for their daily Cagayan de Oro City route. Correspondent Jhunnex Napallacan