Manila:
The ship was traveling from Zamboanga City, Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines to Jolo Island, Sulu Province. More than 250 people traveled in this. The ship was on its way to Baluk Island when a sudden fire broke out.
Passengers screamed as the fire spread rapidly on board. Many jumped into the sea. Coast Guard fishermen engaged in rescue operations. Passengers on board were taken to small boats. At the other end, water was pumped from the Coast Guard ship to put out the fire on board.
12 people including three children died in this accident. 7 people are missing. 230 passengers were rescued from the ship and brought ashore. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. An investigation is going on in this regard.