Manila, Sept 10. (dpa/GNA) – At least five people have died and 87 are missing, after a fire broke out on a passenger ferry off the coast of the Philippine province of Palawan, authorities said on Thursday.
Another 42 people were rescued, Philippine Coast Guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab said, according to broadcaster GMA. The figures were not yet final as rescue operations were continuing, she said.
The ferry MV June Aster, was travelling from the capital Manila to Coron on Wednesday evening, when it suddenly caught fire around 2 kilometres off the coast. The cause of the blaze was not immediately clear.
Cayabyab said 134 people were believed to have been on board. The Philippine News Agency reported that the vessel was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members.
The fire is believed to have broken out in the ship’s hold, according to initial information from a surviving crew member, Cayabyab said, adding that the flames are believed to have spread within a matter of seconds.
The coastguard, fire service and other vessels in the area were involved in the rescue operation. Search efforts were severely hampered by strong winds and high waves. The weather conditions also made it difficult to deploy a helicopter.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, and are also examining whether safety regulations may have been breached, including whether the vessel was overloaded and whether all passengers had been provided with life jackets.
Some passengers are said to have jumped overboard in panic, after the fire broke out, according to reports.
Some of the survivors had to be treated in hospital, said Kristine Mechelle Ablaña, a spokeswoman for the civil protection agency.
Most of them are reported to have suffered burns.
Coron is located on the island of Busuanga. Together with nearby Coron Island, the region is a popular international tourist destination known for its beaches, limestone scenery and diving sites.
GNA