At least 10 killed in Philippine ferry fire, over 200 rescued

A Philippine Coast Guard ship trains its hose as it tries to extinguish fire on the MV Lady Mary Joy at Basilan, southern Philippines early March 30, 2023. (Photo: manisteenews.com)

A ferry carrying more than 200 people caught fire in southern Philippines on March 29, killing at least 10 passengers.
           
Nixon Alonzo, chief of disaster reduction and management office in Basilan province, said  the ferry was headed to Zamboanga City from Jolo when it caught fire in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhammad town of Basilan province past 10 pm local time on March 29.

Seven passengers who jumped into the sea remained missing. At least 195 passengers and 35 crew members have been rescued, he added.

The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed the incident, saying it deployed personnel and its vessels to help in the search and rescue operations but did not give details about the casualties./.

VNA