Why did the Panamanian-flag Double Prosperity run aground on 8th May 2011 in – of all places – Sarangani Bay in Mindanao, the southern Philippines? The 2005-built, 225m bulk carrier, managed by Yano Kaiun Co Ltd of Japan, was supposed to be India-bound from Australia laden with coal when she skidded across Bakud Reef.
The key to the mystery may have been provided by a highly placed source, who tells us the all-Filipino crew wanted a clearer signal for their TV set to watch the WBO welterweight title match between the Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao and American Sugar Shane Mosley. So the ship sailed toward Mindanao and reportedly was put on auto-pilot whilst the men enjoyed the televised spectacle.
If true, and the explanation given us isn’t wholly incredible, this would be a classic case of folly and the Filipino penchant for merrymaking – which includes fiestas and cheering for boxing idols. ~Barista Uno
“the all-Filipino crew wanted a clearer signal for their TV set to watch the WBO welterweight title match between the Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao and American Sugar Shane Mosley. So the ship sailed toward Mindanao and reportedly was put on auto-pilot whilst the men enjoyed the televised spectacle.”
And the problem with that is what?
All eyes were apparently glued to the idiot box. That’s the problem.
I’m a little dubious because Pacquiao fights are usually on pay-per-view cable. Broadcast replays might have been broadcast but if one can’t get a decent reception on a Victory Liner outside Manila I find it hard to believe that there would be any reception offshore. It sounds like an urban legend. The Philippines does not have an independent investigation capability but Panama has tried to be more transparent.
This might be very true as i have sailed with Filipinos several times and they will do everything to watch Pacman (Manny Pacquiao) fighting.
This is the time to learn to use mixed crew on our vessels so that total attention cannot be achieved no matter the programme.
There must have been something wrong with the auto pilot. It should be sent back to re-train. The “COCs” issued by the PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) may not have been what is meant by the STCW 78 as amended. Could it be “Certificates of Collection?”
Being a former Filipino seafarer and now a shipmanager, I feel concerned and embarrassed at the same time. At this age of MLCs and COCs and various trainings for Filipino officers, still we are having this shameful claims or actions. I doubt the story and the Pacman-watching-PPV mystery. How can a Captain compromise the safety of the vessel for watching a delayed telecast of Pacman boxing game, which the manning company usually supply after the fight. If this claim is true, this is not a question of additional training. We need new “COC” – Change of Character.
“Moby Prince” / “Agip Azzurro”… football match…
I don’t think its a crime to watch a fight but they should have had a mixed crew. All of the crew should never just be sitting watching tv-if that was the case.
Noted with concern, various comments provided regarding Filipino crew, indeed. In this regard, please visit similar reports of grounding as well, on net of the following: HMS Nottingham, HMS Astute, Ill-fated MV Rocknes, to name a few..
Dear Capt Paca,
Having the title of a Captain, and the kind of remarks you made, confident you had had taken command of a vessel. Appreciate if you can also take time to visit similar reports of grounding as well, on net of the following: HMS Nottingham, HMS Astute, Ill-fated MV Rocknes, to name a few.. Kindest regards
It doesnt make sense. If indeed the ship was bound for India from Australia, what was she doing in the southeast coast of Mindanao? If she came from northwest Australia which was likely, the shortest and the safest route to India would have been through the southwest coast of Sumatra in Indian Ocean. Unless she has to pick bunkers somewhere in this region or other reason ( I hope not really Pacquiao ) or my passage planning is hopelessly bad!