The sinking of the MV Doña Paz - A critique on maritime disaster preparedness in the Philippines: An analysis of the event

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the various factors contributory to the fatalities that resulted from the sinking of the MV Dona Paz. METHODS: Review of the pre-disaster, disaster and post-disaster events surrounding the sinking of the MV Dona Paz, as well as the subsequent response by the government and responsible agencies to the disaster. RESULTS: The Sinking of the MV Dona Paz, along with the loss of more than 4,000 precious lives, is but a footnote in the long litany of misfortunes plaguing the Philippine maritime industry. A closer look into the events and circumstances leading to this tragedy demonstrates a confluence of equipment and system inadequacy on one hand and human error and lack of preparedness on the other. CONCLUSION: Multiple factors account for the occurence of this tragedy, along with other maritime disaster incidents dotting the long maritime history of the Philippines. A cursory analysis of these factors may lead to recommendations that can prevent similar occurrences in the future and mitigate damage to property and loss of life. The policy implications of these findings are discussed in a subsequent paper.