Ferry catches fire off Cebu port

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – A ferry carrying over a hundred people caught fire on Sunday, September 2, near the Port of Taloot in Argao, Cebu.

All 92 passengers and 29 crew members of M/V Lite Ferry 28 were rescued.

“All passengers of M/V Lite Ferry 28 safely disembarked at Argao port. They are in good condition,” said Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Armand Balilo.

M/V Lite Ferry 28 left Tagbilaran, Bohol at 8 am on Sunday, and was about to dock in Cebu when the fire broke out at 11:45 am.

LCT Miami, a private cargo ship docked at the Port of Taloot, rushed to rescue everyone aboard the ferry.

The PCG’s BRP Capones as well as MCS 3007 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources also helped in putting out the fire.

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said in a statement on Monday, September 3, that the blaze was immediately put out and the ferry was towed to shore at 12:45 pm.

According to Marina, the blaze started in the ferry’s engine room.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

The PCG did not name the ship owner and captain on Sunday. A quick search, however, would show that the vessel is operated by the Cebu-based Lite Shipping Corporation. – Rappler.com