The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) ordered the immediate suspension of all passenger and cargo ships of Aboitiz Transport System Corporation following the sinking of the SuperFerry 9 last Sunday morning in waters off the Zamboanga Peninsula.

According to the circular issued by MARINA, all operations of passenger and cargo ships of Aboitiz Transport System, including the MV SuperFerry 2, MV SuperFerry 5, MV SuperFerry 12, MV SuperFerry 19, MV Our Lady of Good Voyage, MV Our Lady of Mount Carmel, MV Cebu Ferry 1, MV Cebu Ferry 2, will be temporarily suspended while the agency conducts a re-inspection and audit of the vessels.

This procedure is to ensure the seaworthiness of Aboitiz vessels and the competence of their officers and crew. As part of this standard operation procedure by MARINA, all their ships were directed to cease and desist from operating until further orders.

The MARINA has scheduled the initial hearing to look into the incident for September 15.