ZAMBOANGA CITY - At least 29 people, including children, were killed and many more injured after a fire broke out in a ferry off the southern Philippine province of Basilan.
The MV Lady Mary Joy 3, owned by Aleson Shipping Lines, departed Zamboanga City on Wednesday evening, March 29, and was sailing to Sulu province when the fire broke out off Hadji Muhtamad town and the ferry drifted to Baluk-Baluk Island where it ran aground, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.
 |
| Photos released by Hadji Muhtamad town Mayor Arsina Nanoh show the MV Lady Mary Joy as it burns on Wednesday evening, and the aftermath of the blaze. |
Mayor Arsina Nanoh said at least 195 passengers were rescued since Wednesday. The ferry had 205 passengers, but there could be more not listed on the manifesto. Rescuers were still searching on Thursday, March 30, for missing passengers. Dozens of those rescued and dead were brought to Zamboanga City.
The governor of Basilan, Jim Salliman, was also quoted as saying that at least 29 people died in tragedy.
Aleson Shipping Lines did not issue any statement and the cause of the fire is still unknown, but Nanoh, quoting a rescued passenger, said there were explosions in the ferry before and after the fire broke out.
It was unclear whether the fire was an accident or deliberately set up or an act of terrorism.
Security officials have not made any statement, but soldiers were also helping the Coast Guard and the local government in the search and rescue operation. (Mindanao Examiner)
No comments:
Post a Comment