Guimaras-Iloilo passenger vessels to resume trips

Passenger vessels plying the Guimaras-Iloilo route and vice versa were given the go signal on Tuesday to resume their trips.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Tuesday lifted the suspension it earlier imposed, thereby allowing passenger vessels to operate.

MARINA however said passengers should wear life jackets all throughout the trip.

It also said motor bancas should only carry passengers up to 75% of their authorized capacity.

Tarpaulins and canvasses should be removed or rolled up, MARINA said.

The agency also said motor bancas will be allowed to sail only during fair weather, and when the wind is not more than 7-10 knots (Force 3 of the Beaufort scale) and the waves are not more than 0.5 meters.

Motor bancas will also be allowed to sail only from sunrise to sunset.

MARINA also said motor bancas should have distress signals and equipment.

At least 31 people were killed earlier this month after their boats sank in Iloilo Strait, the waters between Iloilo and Guimaras.

Six officials of the Philippine Coast Guard and MARINA were relieved from their posts following the tragic incidents. —KG, GMA News