Philippine Ferry Catches Fire; All Aboard Are Safe

In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a man pushes a boat beside a burning Philippine ferry off Panglao, Bohol province, central Philippines, June 18, 2023.

All 65 passengers and 55 crew members on a Philippine ferry that caught fire Sunday have been rescued, the Philippine coast guard said.

A fire erupted on the M/V Esperanza Star after leaving the Port of Lazi in Siquijor, en route to the Port of Tagbilaran in Bohol.

The coast guard was deployed to rescue the passengers and extinguish the flames.

Coast guard spokesperson Joy Gumatay said in a statement, “All those who were onboard the ferry are safe.”

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.