Panel formed to probe Philippine ferry tragedy

Manila: Officials formed a panel that will look into what could be the worst maritime tragedy in the country for years, after a passenger ship carrying 852 people sank in the seas off Central Philippines.

According to Transport Secretary Leandro Mendoza, The Department of Transportation and Communications had formed a board of marine inquiry to determine the parties liable for the tragedy involving the MV Princess of the Stars.

"The panel, which is headed by Transport Undersecretary Elena Bautista and is made up of competent officials from the Philippine Coast Guard and marine engineers and master mariners, have been given 30 days by President Gloria Arroyo to come up with a report on the incident," Mendoza said.

The sea where the 24,000-tonne ferry went down close to Sibuyan island was still rough yesterday as the coast guard ship Pampanga neared the area after its own tough journey from Manila.

Fighting huge waves and high winds, the Pampanga could only move along at about 26km/h.