Why did the ferry sail from Manila?

I know you have all seen the jeepney with bald tires running wide open down the hill with people hanging out the windows, on the top, hanging on the back rail, etc. Why would anyone think that a ferry boat would operate under a better set of safety guidelines than the jeepney? The engines break down because they are probably held together with chicken wire and gorilla glue. If you don't make enough money to maintain your fleet, you let things go until it falls apart. Everybody should already know that you ride at your own risk.