A ferry fire in Basilan, Philippines has resulted in at least 31 deaths, according to multiple reports. The fire broke out onboard the Lady of Mount Carmel ferry in the early hours of 4 June while it was en route from Zamboanga City to the island of Basilan. The Philippine Coast Guard was quickly deployed to the scene, and rescued 252 of the 283 passengers and crew onboard. However, 31 people have since been confirmed dead, with three additional bodies found on 5 June.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and an investigation has been launched. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Captain Armando Balilo said that the ferry’s captain had reported an “engine problem” shortly before the fire broke out, but it is unclear if this was related to the incident. The ferry was carrying a mix of passengers, including students en route to school, government workers, and military personnel.
The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including the PCG, the Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Air Force. Balilo said that the fire was extinguished within approximately 30 minutes of the PCG’s arrival, but that the vessel had sunk by the time responders arrived. The search and rescue operation was hampered by strong currents and poor visibility in the area.
President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered an investigation into the incident. He also offered financial assistance to the families of the deceased, and visited survivors in hospital on 5 June.
Ferry accidents are not uncommon in the Philippines, which has a large archipelago of islands that many rely on for transportation. In September 2019, a ferry collided with a fishing boat near the city of Manila, killing 28 people. In December 2020, a typhoon caused a ferry to capsize off the coast of the island of Leyte, resulting in 50 deaths.
The latest incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with maritime transportation in the Philippines, and the need for adequate safety measures to be put in place. The country has made progress in recent years in improving maritime safety, including through the establishment of the Maritime Industry Authority and the passage of the Philippine Coast Guard Law, which strengthened the PCG’s capacity to respond to maritime incidents. However, more needs to be done to ensure that the country’s transportation network is safe and reliable. This includes enforcing regulations around vessel maintenance and inspection, providing training and equipment to maritime personnel, and improving weather forecasting and early warning systems to help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.
As the investigation into the Basilan ferry fire continues, it is hoped that lessons can be learned to help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in future. The families of the victims will also be seeking answers, and will need support in the wake of this tragic event.
