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Manila: The shipping operator whose ferry sank in Philippine waters with more than 800 people on board continued to sell tickets on Monday despite a government ban.
The fleet of Sulpicio Lines has been barred from leaving the Manila or Cebu ports while the Board of Marine Inquiry investigates the incident.
Sulpicio Lines Vice President Sally Buaron said the company has not received a suspension notice and so it is still issuing tickets to passengers. “We're willing to cooperate with them and we're open to any inquiry,'' Buaron said.
The ferry capsized on Saturday when a typhoon hit central Philippines. So far, only 34 survivors have been found.
The company has been officially blamed for the incident, and has promised to pay families of the victims $4,496 each.
Sulpicio Lines President Edgar Go denied responsibility and said during a televised news conference on Monday that the ship was qualified to sail during Typhoon Fengshen.
Sulpicio Lines is also facing a lawsuit from anti-corruption campaigners who claim the management endangered the passengers' safety.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo demanded on Sunday to know why the ferry was given clearance to leave Manila on Friday with a typhoon fast approaching.
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