Philippine Ferry Catches Fire, Rescue Ops on

31 dead, 230 rescued, says AFP

Padmesh Prabhune

At least 31 people died and 230 were rescued after a fire engulfed a ferry in the southern Philippines on Wednesday night, 29th March.

The ferry- Lady Mary Joy3 with over 200 passengers onboard was travelling from Zamboanga City on Mindanao Island to Jolo Island in Sulu province when the incident happened.

Officials maintain that the cause of the fire is still unknown while survivors were taken to Zamboanga and Basilan for treatment.

According to reports the captain ran the vessel aground as the fire spread, so many more could survive since it would be easier to swim to shore.

“Many passengers jumped overboard to save themselves,” disaster officer Nixon Alonzo said.

Philippine Coast Guard and fishermen have been involved in the rescue operations. At least 195 passengers and 35 crew members have been rescued as coast guard were seen spraying water on the burning ferry with personnel in smaller boats. “People panicked because they were asleep when the fire happened,” Commodore Rejard Marfe from the Philippine Coast Guard said.

The death toll doubled after 18 bodies were found on the charred vessel.

Marex Media