The Tragedy of the Doña Paz

Overview

• Date: December 20, 1987
• Event: Collision between the passenger ferry Doña Paz and oil tanker MT Vector.
• Location: Dumali Point, near Marinduque, Philippines.
• Casualties: Believed to be the largest maritime disaster in peacetime, with only 24 survivors from the ferry and 2 from the tanker.

Background of the Doña Paz

• Type: Filipino-registered passenger ferry.
• Route: Tacloban to Manila (twice a week).
• Passenger capacity: Registered for just over 1,500 passengers.
• Overcapacity Issues:
  • Initial manifest: 1,493 passengers, 59 crew members.
  • Survivors reported overcrowding—estimated over 3,000 people on board.
  • Notorious issue of overcrowding on Filipino ferries.

The Incident

• Collision Time: Around 10 p.m.
• Conditions: Clear night; choppy waters.
• Impact: 629-ton MT Vector collided with the port side of Doña Paz.
• Explosion: Caused by the tanker carrying 1,041 tons of gasoline and petroleum products, leading to a rapid fire on the ferry.

Eyewitness Accounts

• Survivor Testimonies:
  • Lúdia Pascal: Described passengers crammed into the ferry like "cockroaches or ants."
  • Luthgardo Nito: Military officer who boarded last minute alongside 1,000 soldiers, not included on the manifest.
• Explosion Aftermath:
  • Fire spread quickly, leading to panic and a stampede as passengers sought escape.
  • Many jumped overboard into flaming waters; horror upon discovering burnt corpses in the water.

Rescue Efforts

• Rescue Boat: Cargo vessel Dawn Claudio rescued some survivors.
• Survivor Count: Only 24 passengers and 2 crew members from the tanker survived.
• Burn Injuries: Many survivors treated for severe burns; skin reportedly peeling off from the burns.

Investigations and Findings

• Collision Investigation:
  • Both vessels had lights on; clear visibility reported.
  • Doña Paz was reportedly leaning, indicating overcrowding.
• Crew Issues:
  • MT Vector was understaffed; crew lacked necessary licenses.
  • Doña Paz's captain was allegedly watching a movie during the collision, with other officers drinking.
• Radio Communication:
  • MT Vector had an expired radio license; Doña Paz had a fake one.

Liability and Aftermath

• Findings of the Board of Marine Inquiry:
  • Vector's owner found liable; operated without a license and proper lookout.
  • Doña Paz’s crew was at fault for being absent from their posts.
• Company History:
  • Sulpicio Lines, owner of Doña Paz, involved in multiple accidents over the years.
• Memorial:
  • Memorial in Catbalogan for victims; many bodies were never recovered due to the circumstances.

Changes in Operations

• Aftermath of the Disaster:
  • Sulpicio Lines changed its name; now operates as Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corporation, limited to cargo transport.