Ferry catches fire; no casualties

Fire broke out yesterday aboard a ferry off Nasugbu, Batangas while en route to Manila from Palawan, but crewmen put out the blaze within minutes.

No casualties were reported.

Coast Guard commandant Vice Adm. Reuben Lista said the crew caused the "accidental blaze" in midmorning as they conducted welding work on the main deck of M/V Our Lady of Medjugorje of WG&A.

"The fire has been put under control," he said. "The vessel is proceeding as scheduled to the port of Manila where it is scheduled to dock (yesterday morning)."

Lista said the Coast Guard will summon the captain, who has not been identified, why he ordered welding work while at sea, which is prohibited unless under emergency situations.

Lt. Cmdr. Juancho Marano, acting Coast Guard action officer, told reporters Coast Guard inspectors boarded the Medjugorje upon arrival at Pier 14 at 11 a.m. but they did not find any serious damage.

"There were no reported deaths nor injuries and no serious damage to property," he said. "The fire lasted only two minutes."

A loud explosion reportedly followed the fire but the ship’s captain calmed down the passengers with the use of loudspeakers.

Some 1,300 passengers and crewmen were said to be aboard when the accident occurred.

The 4,000-ton Medjugorje. is operated by William, Gothong and Aboitiz Lines. – Jose Aravilla, AFP