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DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 January) — Two teams from the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) are investigating the sinking of M/Bca Amejara. As of Friday, January 30, Commodore Philipps Soria stated they are still determining how the recreational boat managed to sail on the evening of January 17 en route to Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental, outside its franchise area.
During a press conference, Soria confirmed that the Coast Guard’s Santa Ana Substation did not grant clearance for the boat’s departure, as its declared destination exceeded its authorized franchise area. MARINA records show that Amejara’s franchise permitted only daytime tourism operations between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS). However, the vessel departed at 8 p.m. on January 17 bound for Davao Oriental for a recreational fishing trip.
Soria acknowledged that Amejara’s actual route will be scrutinized to determine why it sailed beyond its permitted area. Two investigative teams have been formed: a five-member Marine Casualty Investigation (MCI) team focusing on safety recommendations and a seven-member Incident Investigation Team assessing administrative and criminal liability of the boat’s owner, operator, and crew.
Eight Coast Guard personnel from the Sta. Ana Substation, including its commander, were relieved pending investigation for possible negligence in allowing the boat’s departure without clearance.
Sixteen passengers and crew were aboard Amejara, including owner Ace Cortez. Only one survivor, Christopher Tecson Bulig, has been found. Bulig reported that the boat sank around 4 a.m. on January 18 due to rough seas.
Six bodies have been recovered so far, with search operations ongoing for the remaining missing individuals. MARINA records confirmed that Amejara’s franchise strictly limited its operations to daytime tourism routes between Davao City and IGACOS.
(Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
