The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has allowed San Nicholas Lines Inc., owner of sunken MV Catalyn B, to operate one of its vessels just for the transport of cargoes.

In its order, Marina said the MV Banton Pearl can now resume operations even as the shipping firm has a pending case of cancellation of franchise following the sinking of MV Catalyn B off Limbones Island on December 24.

The grounding of San Nicolas vessels has affected the transport of commodities of traders in the Occidental Mindoro town.

An inspection made by Marina’s Maritime Safety Office last year found 26 deficiencies in MV Baton Pearl but has since been “corrected and rectified.”

Lubang Island-bound MV Catalyn B went down after smashing into fishing vessel F/V Anatalia, killing at least 27 people.