http://www.causes.com/causes/290652-franco-s-friends-for-safe-travel-in-the-philippines?recruiter_id=17604398
WHATEVER HAPPENED…?
Tragedy in the merry month of May
By Eliza Victoria Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:48:00 05/29/2010
Filed Under: Maritime Accidents, Family, Tourism, Waterway & Maritime Transport
MANILA, Philippines
On May 23, 2009, Ramon Eugenio and his family climbed aboard the MB Commando 6, an outrigger boat that was to take them to Tamaraw Beach in Puerto Galera, Mindoro. It was the first family outing for the Eugenios, and all 13 members were looking forward to a summer getaway. Two days later, Ramon was sitting at the wake of his mother, his son and a nephew.
The boat left the Batangas Port at 11:15 a.m. on May 23, 2009, but it would never reach Mindoro. At 12:30 p.m., roughly 20 minutes from their destination, strong currents caused the boat to tilt on its right side. Passengers on the left side of the boat including Ramon, his mother, Daisy, his wife, Monica, his 3-year-old son, Franco, and his 2-year-old nephew Anton slid into the water and then the boat capsized.
The passengers had not been required to wear life vests before leaving port.
There were 12 fatalities in the tragedy, including Daisy, Franco and Anton.
The day after the tragedy, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) temporarily suspended the licenses of Commando 6?s captain and diesel mechanic. It also suspended the license of its owner, Ilagan Shipping Lines Water Transport Co. Operating under new name
According to Marina?s Batangas Office, Ilagan Shipping Lines is no longer operating. However, Ramon Eugenio alleged in a phone interview on Tuesday that it is still operating, but now under a new name?New Gallerian Shipping Lines. No such company was listed under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
