Deadly ferry fire in the Philippines

A ro-ro passenger ferry in the Philippines operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. caught fire yesterday as it was sailing from Manila to Coron carrying 134 passengers and crew. Initial reports said at least five people were dead and 86 unaccounted for, making it potentially one of the deadliest Philippine domestic ferry accidents.

"Based on our inquiry with one of the survivors, the fire started in the cargo hold," Captain Noemi Cayabyab, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokeswoman, told local TV.

A construction worker from Leyte province is reported to have said that after dinner they heard a "sudden bang, then there was a dark, thick smoke" from the boat. Fire engulfed the vessel (photo: PCG) and passengers and crew were forced to jump into the water, where they are believed to have remained for around two hours before help arrived. The PCG has been leading extensive national Search and Rescue operations.