Early Sunday, SuperFerry 9 sinks along the seas near Zamboanga, prompting dozens of people with relatives boarding the ship to a panicked frenzy. On the same day, Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Adminstrator, Marina Elena Bautista announced that the victims will be compensated for by the owner of the ship.

Bautista added that reasons for sinking of the ship will be explained by the Aboitiz Transports System, the owner of the SuperFerry lines as ordered. According to Marina regulations, compensation for victims and their dependents by shipping companies run from P200,000 to P500,000.

More than 800 passengers have been fortunately rescued prior to the sinking of the ship while rescue operations are still continuing. Three fatalities have already been found while dozens more are being searched for. The Philippine Army has already sent a helicopter to assist in the search as well as the United States Air Force Assistance Group.

Families of the ships passengers have already deployed in the WG&A Office waiting for results and updates regarding their families. The SuperFerry 9 carries about 900 passengers on it, the trip destined to Iloilo from Zamboanga.

According to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro at the National Disaster Coordinating Council headquarters, the ship’s captain Jose Yap was already rescued. A reconstitution of the Board of Marine Inquiry was already called for by Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo. This was revealed by Coast Guard Vice Commander for Operations Vice Admiral Ramon Liwag. The Board is responsible for investigating the cause of nautical mishaps. As of yet, the authorities are unsure of the reasons for SuperFerry 9’s sinking. However, the tropical storm Dujuan has already added to the weather problems that may or may not have contributed to the ship’s sinking. As of now, families and friends of still missing passengers are still waiting for updates on the state of their loved ones.