On Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) provided clarifications regarding the incident involving the MV Asia Philippines, a roll-on/roll-off ship that caught fire at Batangas Anchorage on Friday. Contrary to initial reports, all 47 passengers and 38 crew members were accounted for, with no missing individuals. The confusion arose over two supposedly missing passengers, who were later confirmed to have taken a later 5 p.m. trip instead of the earlier 3 p.m. sailing.
During the fire incident, a 43-year-old woman sustained injuries and required hospitalization, highlighting the risks associated with maritime accidents. Fortunately, all 16 vehicles onboard the vessel were reported as undamaged. The firefighting efforts were extensive, taking approximately three hours to extinguish the blaze, during which a joint team from the PCG, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, and the military’s Special Operations Unit South Tagalog conducted a thorough examination of the ship. They discovered that the fire had severely damaged 90% of the third deck and 80% of the second deck.
The investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing, with early reports suggesting the flames might have originated from the ship’s exhaust system. “We are beginning inquiries, and while some witnesses indicated noticing flames from the exhaust, this remains inconclusive at this stage,” stated PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo, underscoring the need for a detailed investigation.
As a precautionary measure, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has suspended MV Asia Philippines’ passenger ship safety certificate, and the ship will undergo further inspections to evaluate its operational safety. Starlite Ferries Incorporated, the operator of MV Asia Philippines, announced its cooperation with government agencies during the investigation, committing to provide full support to all affected passengers and crew members.
In summary, while the incident was alarming, effective response efforts ensured that all individuals were accounted for, and steps are being taken to investigate and address safety concerns.
