Philippine Coast Guard personnel assist in putting out the fire on M/V Esperanza Star at the waters off Panglao, Bohol province, central Philippines, June 18, 2023 (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard via AP)
Metropolis Desk-
In the Philippines, a ferry carrying 120 passengers and staff caught fire at sea. A coastguard vessel has been sent to the scene to rescue people on board and put out the fire, according to officials.
According to the coastguard, the M/V Esperanza Star caught fire early on Sunday morning as it was sailing from the central Philippine province of Siquijor to the province of Bohol.
It was not immediately clear if there were casualties or how many people had been saved off the ferry.
As coastguard officials on board another vessel used water cannon to try to put out the fire, images, and footage published by the coastguard show flames and black smoke rising from two decks at one end of the ferry.
There was another boat and a fishing boat close.
According to the photos and video the coastguard posted, none of the 65 passengers or the 55 crew members could be seen inside the blazing boat.
Due to frequent storms, poorly maintained ships, overcrowding, and inconsistent enforcement of safety laws, particularly in outlying areas, sea mishaps are widespread throughout the Philippine archipelago.
In March, a ferry carrying approximately 250 people caught fire during the night off the southern island province of Basilan. The coastguard reported that at least 31 passengers and crew members had died.
The world’s biggest maritime tragedy to occur during a time of peace occurred in December 1987 when the ferry Dona Paz sank after colliding with a petroleum tanker. More than 4,300 people perished.
Source – Al Jazeera
