The death toll in the recent ferry fire in Basilan has risen to 31, with the bodies of three more passengers being recovered from the wreckage. The incident occurred on Friday, July 2, when the MB Tahseen, a wooden-hulled ferry carrying 80 passengers, caught fire near the port of Labuan in the southern Philippines. The fire is believed to have started in the ship’s engine room before spreading to other parts of the vessel.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other rescue teams responded to the scene and were able to rescue 46 passengers. However, 31 people have been confirmed dead, while three others are still missing. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the fire and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter maritime safety regulations in the country. Senator Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, has called for an investigation into the incident to identify any lapses in the implementation of maritime laws and regulations. She stressed the need for stronger measures to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent maritime accidents.
Maritime accidents are a common occurrence in the Philippines, which is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands. The country has a vast network of ports and waterways, but many of its vessels are old and may not meet modern safety standards. In recent years, the government has made efforts to improve maritime safety by strengthening regulations and investing in new technology and equipment.
However, many stakeholders argue that more needs to be done to enforce these regulations and ensure that vessels are properly maintained and operated. They point to the need for regular inspections and audits of ships, as well as training and certification programs for crews and operators.
The recent ferry fire in Basilan has once again highlighted the need for greater attention to maritime safety in the Philippines. While authorities work to determine the cause of the incident and recover the bodies of those who perished, many are calling on the government to take swift action to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. With millions of Filipinos relying on maritime transport to get around the country, ensuring the safety and reliability of these services is critical to the nation’s economic and social well-being.
