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CEBU CITY, Philippines – So far, only one survivor of the Princess of the Sea disaster is willing to testify before the Board of Marine Inquiry (BMI) looking into the June 21 sinking.
The Coast Guard has appealed for more survivors, preferably seamen, to come forward to tell probers what happened.
The Manila-based inquiry board will come to Cebu City to hear testimonies only if four survivors are available, said Commander Antonio Cuasito, chief of staff of the Coast Guard District Central Eastern Visayas.
BMI chairman Rear Admiral Ramon Liwag said a minimum of four survivors was needed for a hearing to be held in Cebu in order to spare survivors the cost of traveling to Manila.
Cuasito said the Coast Guard found contacted two survivors, but one refused to appear before the BMI.
He said their statements are crucial to determine the company's liability in the accident.
Cuasito said the survivors should be thankful and take the opportunity to speak about their ordeal.
Earlier, BMI chairman Liwag said they need the accounts of the survivors especially the seafarers, who are familiar with the ship movements.
Less than 35 persons survived the sinking of the Sulpicio passenger vessel, which carried over 800 passengers and crew. Several of the survivors were seamen. /Correspondent Jhunnex Napallacan with an Inquirer report
