How seaworthy are the motorboats plying the Iloilo-Guimaras route? Following the capsizing of three boats on Aug. 3, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) grounded all the motorboats crisscrossing the Iloilo Strait. “The MARINA has suspended the operation of all passenger motorbancas operating the Iloilo-Guimaras route, subject to review and assessment of safety conditions of said vessels until further notice,” read the agency’s advisory. In lieu of the motorboats, according to MARINA, people traveling to Iloilo City from Guimaras and vice versa would be served by two roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) barges of Tristar and Montenegro shipping companies.

Co, A. S., & Tayona, G. (2019, August 7). Guimaras boats not seaworthy?: MARINA grounds all motorboats, starts probe. Panay News, pp. 1, 10.