At least two people died after a passenger vessel caught fire near Basilan Island late Wednesday evening, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.
In a report on Unang Balita, the vessel – MV Lady Mary Joy 3 – was docked at the pier of Baluk-baluk island when fire broke out a few minutes after 11 p.m. on Wednesday.
The ship, with more than 200 passengers and crew members, was scheduled to travel to Jolo, Sulu.
Authorities are still conducting monitoring activities to determine whether there were additional casualties.
Coast Guard Station Basilan reported that the conduct of search and rescue operations is ongoing at the vicinity waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.
“Upon receipt of information regarding the said fire incident, a Search and Rescue (SAR) Team from Coast Guard Sub-Station Maluso immediately proceeded in the area of the incident and was able to retrieve one female cadaver,” said the Coast Guard in a posted report.
Another SAR Team composed of CGS Basilan, CGSS Lamitan and Special Operations Unit Team Lamitan personnel were also deployed.
The CGSS Hadji Muhtamad, which formed a Joint Search and Rescue Team with the Local Government Unit of Hadji Muhtamad led by the Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh, was able to rescue four individuals and retrieved another female cadaver.
The BRP Cape Engaño, BRP Tubbataha and MCS 3007 were also deployed in the area to assist in search and rescue operations.
The Coast Guard Station Basilan, meanwhile, will also check for signs of oil spill and assist in the conduct of an investigation into the incident and assessment of the vessel. — BAP, GMA Integrated News.
Two dead after fire hits passenger vessel off Basilan
Source: Balita News
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