Doña Paz, with more than 4,000 dead, Princess of the Orient, with more than 200 dead, and Princess of the Stars, with close to 800 feared dead: With that record, Sulpicio Lines is tops, it is simply unbeatable. Until MV Princess of the Stars went down, despite its remarkable record of casualties starting with Doña Paz, Sulpicio was still out there in the open seas—maybe just waiting for the next accident to happen.

While accidents are obviously unintentional and undesirable, they do happen, and usually for a reason. Accidents can be prevented, and in some cases, can actually be avoided by the exercise of prudence. In the case of Sulpicio’s mishaps, particularly in the case of Stars, it remains uncertain as to who or what was at fault. What seems apparent, though, is poor judgment. The sea is always treacherous during a storm, but despite that risk, Stars headed out. And now, blame is to be assigned as to why Stars did just that.

Sulpicio is a shipping line with four major accidents that already resulted in thousands of deaths, and yet, it still remained in business until recently. Its name has been associated with maritime disasters, and yet, it seemed untouchable. Despite countless investigations by regulators and even lawmakers and many court cases, life still went on for Sulpicio Lines, until Stars went down.

There is now a strong call for a government takeover, perhaps to right a wrong. But a private enterprise like shipping is highly competitive, and it seems there are more than enough players to serve the market. Instead of a takeover, Sulpicio Lines should just be shut. End of story. Then let the private sector take up the slack through new investments. Anyway, it is highly doubtful if the government itself can do better than Sulpicio, judging from the dilapidated state of some government-run ports.

But that’s just the prospective end. As for culpability and liability, it seems too easy for any erring shipper to get off the hook by simply paying P200,000 in insurance to a victim’s family. That is, if the shipper is later conclusively found to be negligent, reckless or had wantonly disregarded safety guidelines. Even the possibility of jail for ship crew and corporate officials may not be enough. It is a wonder that after four accidents and thousands of deaths, it doesn’t seem like anybody has actually gone to jail.

MV Princess of the Stars is reportedly the country’s biggest roll-on/roll-off vessel, and as such, the liner is reportedly claiming it could weather bigger waves brought about by storms. But, obviously, it was proved wrong. And its hubris resulted in tremendous loss not only to ship owners but to the riding public, as well. As it risked sailing into stormy weather, it paid dearly as it capsized off Sibuyan Island in Romblon province on Saturday. Only a handful of the 862 people reportedly onboard survived the mishap. Someone was obviously responsible for this accident, and that cannot be the passengers.

While Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Sen. Rodolfo Biazon are eyeing the possible suspension of the franchise of Sulpicio Lines following the fourth major sea tragedy involving its interisland ships, even that may not be enough. Even Sulpicio’s closure may not be enough. After all, what’s to keep its owners or their representatives from opening a new shipping line and going back into the same business as they fold up Sulpicio? And what’s to keep Congress from issuing a new legislative franchise to that new business if it provides all the necessary requirements for a franchise?

After four accidents and thousands of lives lost, something ought to be done. Perhaps this administration can finally put an end to this dreadful saga of maritime disasters.

Meantime, a short prayer:

Dios mio, Sulpicio

Aksidente mo talagang perwisyo

Nakamamatay, talagang totoo

Ang paglubog ng apat mong barko

Dios mio, Sulpicio

Ilan taon na ang lumipas

Nalimutan na si “Doña Paz”

Umulit ka na naman, ang tibay mo

Dios mio, Sulpicio

Kami ngayon nananalangin:

Ama Namin, sumasalangit Ka

Sulpicio Lines, sana Iyo nang isama. 

Comments to matort@yahoo.com

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