Ship catches fire off Lapu-Lapu

CEBU, Philippines — A passenger vessel that ran aground in the waters off Lapu-Lapu, Cebu last December caught fire yesterday morning.

In a Viber message, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it received a distress call at around 2 a.m. after a fire hit the MV Trans Asia 1 off the coast of Barangay Punta Engaño.

The PCG said that it deployed Special Operations Group teams to assist the seven crewmembers and a security guard onboard the vessel.

Two of the seven crewmembers were injured and brought to a hospital for treatment.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities are also checking if there was an oil spill.

The MV Trans Asia 1 ran aground at the height of Typhoon Odette.

Crewmembers and a security guard have since been manning the vessel to ensure that its equipment and materials will not be stolen.

In a statement, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc. said it is evaluating the extent of damage and assessing possible recoveries.

“Rest assured that the Trans-Asia management committee is on top of the situation to ensure the crew’s safety and well-being,” it said. – The Freeman