The SuperFerry 9 enroute from Bacolod to Iligan experienced technical problems 8 miles off Daog Point south west of Hinobaan, Negros Occidental, at about 2 a.m. yesterday and was being towed to Iloilo City by SuperFerry 1.

Jess Supan, vice president for security, safety and compliance of the Aboitiz Transport System, however, told the DAILY STAR that the details on the technical problems were not available as of press time.

He said their priority is the safety and convenience of the passengers.

All 517 passengers, 492 adults and 25 minors, on board SuperFerry 9 that left Bacolod 8 p.m. Monday are safe and are being attended to by the 124 vessel crew who update them on the situation every hour, Supan said.

Another vessel will take them from Iloilo to Iligan later, Supan said.

Estimated time of arrival of SuperFerry 1 and 9 in Iloilo is 6 a.m. today instead of 10 a.m. yesterday, Supan said. He also said the management extends its sincerest apologies to all the passengers inconvenienced by the unforeseen delay.

SuperFerry 1 started towing SuperFerry 9 at 10:05 a.m. yesterday at a speed of 4 knots, he said.

A Philippine Coast Guard Vessel 3502 has been dispatched to assist in the operations. A replacement vessel will arrive today to bring affected passengers to their destinations, he added. *CPG

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