Philippine Ferry Catches Fire While Carrying 120 Passengers and Crew

On Sunday, a Philippine ferry carrying 120 passengers and crew caught fire. The Coast Guard immediately sent a ship to rescue passengers and try to put out the flames.

Ferry Catches Fire After Crossing to Bohol Province

The ship, called M/V Esperanza Star, burst into flames at dawn on Sunday after crossing from Siquijor province en route to Bohol province in the central Philippines. Authorities did not say how many people were rescued from the ferry or if there were casualties.

Photos and Videos Show Flames and Black Smoke Rising

Photos and video clips released by the Coast Guard show flames and black smoke rising from two floors at one end of the ferry. Coast Guard personnel on the other ship used water hoses to try and put out the fire. Nearby, you can see a fishing boat and another vessel.

No Sign of Passengers and Crew Members

None of the 65 passengers and 55 crew members on board the burning ferry were seen, according to Coast Guard photographs.

Philippine Archipelago Prone to Maritime Accidents

The Philippine archipelago is prone to maritime accidents due to frequent storms, lack of ship maintenance, overcrowding, and poor enforcement of safety regulations, especially in outlying provinces.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety regulations and proper maintenance of ships to prevent accidents like this from happening in the future.