The Philippine-registered RoRo / passenger ship MV Filipinas Dinagat operated by Cokaliong Shipping Lines sailed to Palompon from Cebu City, Leyte when the fire broke out on board.

At the time the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) arrived on the scene to carry out rescue operations, the knocked-out vessel had been completely engulfed in flames.

The survivors were immediately embarked on a motorbanca which transported them for further assistance to the nearest harbour. Around 1 a.m. PCG Medical Team and Coast Guard Station staff on Friday – Northern Cebu provided medical assistance to 41 of the 45 survivors who arrived safely at Danao Port, Cebu.

The captain and three other crew members rescued by BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) stayed on board the PCG vessel in the nearby waters to attend to the ill-fated vessel. Two tugboats have been sent to the area of the accident to provide towing help.

The ill-fated passenger vessel was still in flames, while the cause of the accident is being investigated.

Maritime Business World