Boat catches fire off Zamboanga; 1 injured, 4 survive

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A motorized boat locally known as jungkong caught fire shortly after it departed the port in this city yesterday afternoon.

One person was reported injured while four survived in the incident that occurred at past 2 p.m. near the Taha Wharf in Barangay Baliwasan, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Initial investigation showed that boat mechanic Medan Sarabi, 25, was switching on the engine when a spark occurred followed by an explosion.

The boat skipper and three crewmembers jumped overboard, but Sarabi, who was at the engine area, suffered second degree burns.

The boat was reportedly loaded with 40 gallons of diesel.

Fire probers estimated the damage to property at P600,000.