A Philippine ferry carrying 120 passengers and crew members caught fire at sea on Sunday and a coast guard vessel was deployed to rescue those on board and try to extinguish the flames, coast guard officials said.
The M/V Esperanza Star ferry caught fire during its voyage from Siquijor to Bohol in the central Philippines. The exact number of rescued individuals and any potential casualties have not been confirmed by the coast guard yet. Visual evidence released by the coast guard depicts flames and dense black smoke emanating from two decks on one end of the ferry. In an attempt to extinguish the fire, coast guard personnel deployed a water cannon from another vessel present at the scene. Additionally, a fishing boat and another vessel were observed in close proximity to the incident. Further details regarding the situation remain forthcoming.
“All those who were onboard the ferry are safe,” Joy Gumatay, coast guard spokeswoman, said in a statement but gave no further details.
She added that the survivors were brought to the port city of Tagbilaran in Bohol province and an investigation was underway.None of the 65 passengers and 55 crew members could be seen aboard the burning ferry based on the photographs and video released by the coast guard.
Sea accidents in the Philippine archipelago are unfortunately common due to several factors. These include frequent storms, poorly maintained vessels, overcrowding, and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations, particularly in remote provinces. In March, a devastating fire broke out on a ferry off the southern island province of Basilan, carrying around 250 people. Tragically, at least 31 passengers and crew members lost their lives, according to the coast guard.
Another horrifying incident occurred in December 1987 when the ferry Dona Paz collided with a fuel tanker, resulting in the world’s worst peacetime maritime disaster. The collision claimed the lives of over 4,300 people. These incidents highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures and stricter enforcement to prevent further maritime tragedies in the Philippines.
