Ship stranded at sea reaches CDO port

After more than 20 hours stranded at sea near Bohol and Siquijor, a Trans Asia ship with more than 600 passengers has returned to Cagayan de Oro. The M/V Trans Asia with 677 passengers onboard arrived in Cagayan de Oro at 10 a.m. following a more than 20-hour ordeal at sea between Bohol and Siquijor. The passenger ship left Cagayan de Oro port at 8 p.m. Sunday and was scheduled to reach Cebu at 6 a..m. Monday. However, the ship suffered engine trouble at about 50 nautical miles from Cagayan de Oro. Philippine Coast Guard Northern Mindanao District said vessels were sent to assist and tow the stranded ship. The first attempt by a smaller Trans Asia vessel to tow the ship was at 2 p.m. yesterday but failed, forcing the dispatch of a tug boat. The furious passengers complained of lack of food and water on board Trans Asia 5. Trans Asia management, however, assured that they have been providing food to the passengers, and that staff members were addressing passengers' concerns. Trans Asia management has offered a refund to passengers. A marine inquiry will follow after the incident. Mornings@ANC, December 17, 2013