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'Boat owners will be charged'
16/01/2006 12:27 - (SA)
Manila - Authorities on Monday vowed to file criminal charges against owners of a boat that capsized during a sea parade in the central Philippines, killing 16 people, most of them children.
Coast guard chief Admiral Arthur Gosingan said rescuers were searching the waters off San Ricardo town in Southern Leyte province for possible survivors, a day after the overcrowded ferry SunJay overturned and hurled those aboard - many of them children - into the sea.
Witnesses said the accident happened after revellers crowded to one side of the boat, causing it to lose stability.
Gosingan said charges of reckless imprudence will likely be filed against the owners and organisers, but he refused to identify the owners while the investigation was continuing.
"They should have co-ordinated with us so we can help ensure their safety," he said. "They can be charged because this is a case of reckless imprudence."
Corazon Gloria, a doctor at the nearby Pintuyan town hospital, said on Sunday that 16 bodies were brought there, including 14 children.
San Ricardo is about 650km southeast of the capital.
Although the accident occurred in good weather, many of the victims were unable to reach shore because of injuries or strong currents, said Southern Leyte Governor Rosette Lerias.
"We can't stop traditions, but this is a wake-up call," said Lerias. "Children shouldn't be allowed aboard these boats because they're the most helpless when accident strikes."
Boat accidents are common in the Philippines because many ferries used in inter-island travel are old and poorly maintained and enforcement of sea safety regulations is poor.
- AP
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