An inter-island Philippine passenger ferry with more than 70 passengers on board sank after it caught fire on its way to Cebu province during heavy downpour.
The fire broke out at around 12:10 p.m. and the fast craft which carried 75 passengers from Bohol, sank at around 2:00 p.m.
Admiral Ramon Liwag of the
Philippine Coast Guard said there were three fatalities including the ship's second-in-command captain, Abelardo Torevillas
Initial investigations showed the fire was caused by a faulty electrical wiring in the engine room.
Reports said the ship captain
ordered the passengers and the crew to abandon the ship when fire started to engulf the sea craft. Help came from nearby sea crafts which were alerted by the Coast Guard to assist in the rescue operations.
The Philippine Coast Guard
said one more passenger remains missing.
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