Solar 1 Inquiry apportions blame

Manila: The findings of the Special Board of Marine Inquiry into the sinking of the Solar 1 in the Guimaras Strait last month, causing the Philippines' worst ever oil spill, were released by the country's Department of Transportation and Communications yesterday. Overloading, bad weather and an incompetent captain without the necessary license renewed were the three main factors blamed for the accident. DOTC secretary Leandro R Marino said the caption, owner Sunshine Maritime Corp, and charterer Petron would all be pursued in the courts. Separately, unconfirmed US press reports suggest the vessel may have been uninsured due to failure to settle premiums on time.  [15/09/06]