Sulpicio promises to foot the bill in salvaging ‘Princess’

Even after filing for a notice of abandonment for the MV Princess of the Stars, ship owner Sulpicio Lines Inc. on Thursday assured lawmakers Thursday it will foot the bill in salvaging the ill-fated vessel.

Radio dzBB's Rowena Salvacion reported that Sulpicio first vice president Edgar Go said this is meant to show the firm's "social responsibility," even as he said the company's decision to shoulder the costs of salvaging the vessel is not an admission of guilt.

Sulpicio Lines had earlier been criticized for imposing a long list of requirements before victims' relatives are granted compensation benefits.

"We will first remove bunker fuel and toxic cargoes simultaneously. Once removed, expert divers can resume recovery of remains of fatalities still inside the ship. The final step is to remove the
wreck from shore of Sibuyan," Go said during a congressional hearing on the tragedy.

Go noted that the cost of salvaging the capsized vessel is expected to exceed P300 million.

The MV Princess of the Stars capsized off Romblon last June 21, after encountering big waves and strong winds at the height of typhoon "Frank."

Hundreds of passengers were killed during the incident. Only more than 50 passengers and crewmembers out of the ship's 866 passengers and crew were able to survive the sea tragedy.

Hundreds remain missing and are believed to be trapped inside the ferry.