The operator of SuperFerry 9 that sank Sunday has contracted Harbour Star to deal with an oil spill, according to a statement released Sunday. Aboitiz Transport System Corp., the operator of SuperFerry 9, however maintained that an oil leak was improbable, given that the ship was using a heavy type of fuel. SuperFerry said it had consulted oil experts from Shell Pilipinas, which told them that the fuel onboard the sunken ship likely remained inside the tanks.

There are about 220 tons of this fuel onboard SuperFerry 9, which went down Sunday morning near Batarompon Point, west of the Zamboanga peninsula.

The statement said that SuperFerry has hired Harbour Star to bring its oil booms to the place where the ship sank and to be prepared with chemical oil dispersants. The tugboat of Harbour Star has already been dispatched, the statement added.

Most passengers rescued

Meanwhile, SuperFerry reported that most of the passengers and crew aboard its sunken vessel have been rescued.

In a statement issued at 1:12 p.m. Sunday, Jess Supan, vice president for safety and security of
SuperFerry, said 968 people were onboard the sunken ship—847 passengers, 117 crew and four sea marshals.

“A total of 880 passengers and crew, which includes three fatalities, are now onboard the rescue vessels en route to Zamboanga,” he said. Other reports mention as many as nine fatalities.

Supan added that local governments, as well as the Philippine National Red Cross, had also been mobilized to search the coastal towns near the area for survivors.

“The US Air Force assistance group based in Zamboanga has just also deployed its helicopters to join the search,” according to the statement. “SuperFerry is very grateful for the assistance extended by the
Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine and US Air Force, Philippine National Red Cross, and all private shipping operators who have been assisting in the rescue operations.”

All rescued passengers and crew were to be brought to Zamboanga City port, he added.

Supan also said that SuperFerry has arranged for all required assistance, such as medical, hotel accommodations, clothing, food and transport needs, for the rescued passengers and crew.

”All injured passengers will be brought to the hospital immediately. Counseling will also be available for passengers who will need them,” he added.

Relatives of the passengers may get assistance from centers that have been set up in Manila, Iloilo and Zamboanga.

SuperFerry1 has been rerouted to pass by Zamboanga for passengers who would like to depart immediately for Manila and Iloilo. It is estimated to arrive in Zamboanga Sunday night. SuperFerry has also made arrangements for passengers who would prefer to fly to Manila.
Darwin G. Amojelar