Ferry catches fire at sea; 120 people rescued

MANILA, Philippines — All 120 passengers and crew aboard a Philippine ferry that caught fire at sea yesterday were rescued, the coast guard reported.

The M/V Esperanza Star caught fire at dawn while traveling from the Port of Lazi in Siquijor to the Port of Tagbilaran in Bohol.

Two vessels were deployed to extinguish the flames and rescue 65 passengers and 55 crewmembers.

Photos and video released by the coast guard show flames and black smoke billowing from two decks at one end of the ferry.

“All those who were onboard the ferry are safe,” said Philippine Coast Guard communications officer Joy Gumatay.

Gumatay added that the survivors were brought to the Tagbilaran City port in Bohol and an investigation was underway.

Sea accidents are common in the Philippines due to frequent storms, poorly maintained vessels, overcrowding and spotty enforcement of safety regulations, especially in remote provinces.

In March, a fire broke out and raged overnight on a ferry carrying about 250 people and killed at least 31 passengers and crewmembers off the southern island province of Basilan, the coast guard said.

In December 1987, the ferry Doña Paz sank after colliding with a fuel tanker, killing more than 4,300 people in the world’s worst peacetime maritime disaster.