‘Spontaneous combustion’ eyed in ferry blaze

Unable to determine whether engine fire, arson, exhaust sparks or lighted cigarette butts ignited the fire that engulfed the MV Maria Carmela off Quezon last April 10, investigators are eyeing "spontaneous combustion" as the likely explanation for the blaze that killed 72 people.

The seven-man investigating panel of the Board of Marine Inquiry (BMI) has grilled dozens of witnesses and crewmembers to provide clues on how the fire started.

Witnesses have all pointed to the sizable copra cargo stored in the vessel’s car deck below the passenger level, as the origin of the blaze. But nobody could provide adequate explanation how the copra was ignited.

The BMI, which terminated the hearings last week, has dismissed arson as a possible cause, as the ship’s captain, Godofredo Erandio, claimed, saying this was unlikely and unsubstantiated.

"What can we do, that was what the book said," said a panel member when asked about the "spontaneous combustion" theory.

Rear Admiral Domingo Estera, BMI chairman, said the possibility that a lighted cigarette butt could have caused the blaze was strong, but admitted that no evidence could establish this.

BMI sources said there are no specific guidelines on the transport of copra which, however, is included in the list of highly dangerous cargoes under the regulations of the Maritime Regulation Authority and the Coast Guard.

As a result of the sea tragedy, the BMI is issuing stricter rules on the transport of copra.

The Coast Guard pegged the death toll in the MV Maria Carmela fire at 77, to include the 20 missing. – Jose Aravilla