Murder Complaints Filed Against Ferry Crew in Philippines
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Version 0 of 1. MANILA — The police in a central Philippine city said Saturday that they had filed murder complaints against the owner and the crew of a ferry that capsized, leaving more than 50 people dead. The complaints were filed with the local prosecutor late Friday as the ferry was lifted from the water, said Rio Tan, a senior inspector with the Ormoc City police. The prosecutor will review the complaints to determine whether there is enough evidence to file charges. At least 59 people died and 145 survived Thursday’s disaster, including all 18 crew members, said a regional coast guard commander, Capt. Pedro Tinampay. Captain Tinampay said a maritime casualty investigation that had begun would determine how many people were aboard. So far, 204 people are known to have been onboard, more than the 189 initially reported, he said, adding that the authorities would reconcile different figures for survivors and casualties. The ferry overturned minutes after pulling out of the port on its voyage to one of the Camotes Islands, about 30 miles to the south. Murder complaints were filed against the ferry’s owner, Joge Bung Zarco, the captain, Warren Oliverio, and 17 other crew members, Mr. Tan said. Some passengers reported that the boat suddenly swerved to the right, possibly causing its cargo, including 80 sacks of cement, to shift to one side of the ferry, Captain Tinampay said. “It capsized and its right outrigger broke,” he said. “The captain suddenly turned the boat to the right, and we have people saying that.” Captain Oliverio denied that he had made a sudden turn, blaming the strong waves for flipping his boat. Lawrence Drake, a retired American firefighter who was among the survivors, disagreed with the complaints, saying that the crew members did all they could to save the passengers. |