3 dead after ferry catches fire in Dapitan City
MANILA, Philippines — At least three passengers died after a fire broke out in a ferry traveling towards Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte late Tuesday.
Commodore Gregorio Adel Jr., Philippine Coast Guard Northern Mindanao district commander, on Wednesday confirmed the number of fatalities in a radio report of dzBB.
Adel added the Coast Guard have rescued 245 passengers.
Meanwhile, other radio reports said 23 other passengers were missing after the incident.
PCG earlier said MV Lite Ferry 16 experienced fire onboard while it is travelling approximately 1.5 nautical mile from Pulauan Port, Dapitan City.
Initial reports said the fire started at the engine room at 11:30 p.m.
The vessel departed from the Port of Samboan San Tander, Cebu at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
PCG said 136 passengers were listed in the manifest while there are 36 crews on board.
It added that rescue operations are still ongoing. — Rosette Adel
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