image credits : Sky news
On June 18, 2024, a devastating incident unfolded as an accidental fire engulfed a ferry off the coast of the Philippines. The tragedy took place during a routine journey, turning what was supposed to be a normal day of travel into a nightmare. The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures and the need for immediate emergency response.
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The Incident
Image credits : NDTV. Com
The ill-fated ferry, Esperanza Star, carrying 65 passengers and 55 officers along with cargo, departed from Siquijor Island port in the Philippines, destined for the nearby Bohol Island. However, shortly after setting sail, an accidental fire broke out on board, rapidly spreading and engulfing the vessel in thick smoke and flames.
Panic and chaos gripped the passengers and crew as they struggled to navigate through the dense smoke and find a way to safety.Black smoke and flames can be seen rising from the two decks of the ferry in the incident video that has been released by the coast guard that was present on the scene.
Rescue Efforts
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As news of the disaster spread, emergency services and coast guard units were immediately dispatched to the scene. Rescuers worked tirelessly to evacuate passengers, risking their own lives amidst the hazardous conditions.
Some passengers were able to escape onto life rafts, while others jumped into the water, desperately trying to swim away from the burning ferry.Amidst the chaos, numerous acts of heroism emerged. Crew members bravely guided passengers to emergency exits and provided assistance, ensuring their safety. Passengers themselves displayed incredible courage, helping those in need and offering support during this horrifying ordeal.
Casualties and Injuries
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As stated by a Coast Guard Spokesperson the reason for the fire is yet to be conclusively determined. The fire was declared around 0200 GMT and firefighters of the Coast Guard from another ship utilised water cannons for extinguishing the fire.
It has been confirmed by Philippines authorities that all 120 members including passengers and officers onboard the ferry that caught fire at sea on Sunday have been rescued by them without any casualties, however, their whereabouts have not yet been disclosed to the public.
Philippines and maritime disasters
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, and maritime safety is poor, with ships often overloaded and using many ageing vessels, often leading to similar mishaps taking place in the country. Maritime accidents are common in the Philippine archipelago due to frequent storms, poorly maintained ships, overloading and poor enforcement of safety regulations, especially in remote provinces.
31 people were killed in a similar incident on the 31st of March. An overnight ferry carrying passengers was engulfed in a fire near the Island province of Basilian as per reports released by the Philippines Coast Guard. In December 1983, the ferry Dona Paz sank after colliding with an oil tanker, killing more than 300 people in the world’s worst maritime disaster.
The accidental fire that engulfed a Philippine ferry on June 18, 2024, was a catastrophic event that left an indelible mark on the nation as well as on the maritime community. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritising safety measures and maintaining strict adherence to emergency protocols in the maritime industry not just in the Philippines but around the world as well.
