Shipwrecks are common and immigrants must often be rescued by fishermen and coastguards in the area.

Instead, Manila port officials and the Philippine coast guard permitted the Princess of the Stars to set sail, despite clear warnings by the weather bureau that the ship was headed for the eye of the typhoon.

A crisis management team, composed of representatives of both countries foreign ministries, coast guards, and militaries, should not only meet regularly, but should also consult each other in emergency situations, thereby minimizing the risk that matters get out of control.