The Philippines' Coast Guard officials reported that a passenger ferry carrying 120 people caught fire at sea on Sunday, June 18th.
In response, the coast guard dispatched a vessel to rescue those onboard and attempt to extinguish the flames. The incident occurred in the early morning as the MV Esperanza Star (MMSI 548784300, LOA length 65 m) was traveling from Siquijor province to Bohol province in the central Philippines. The coast guard did not provide immediate information on the number of people rescued or any casualties.
Images and videos released by the coast guard depict flames and thick black smoke emanating from two decks at one end of the ferry. Coast guard personnel aboard another vessel utilized a water cannon in an effort to control the fire. A fishing boat and another vessel were also observed nearby.
Based on the photographs and video footage released by the coast guard, none of the 65 passengers and 55 crew members could be seen aboard the burning ferry.
The Philippines frequently experiences sea accidents due to factors such as frequent storms, inadequately maintained vessels, overcrowding, and lax enforcement of safety regulations, particularly in remote provinces.