119 rescued after passenger-cargo vessel catches fire in Quezon

A total of 119 people were safely rescued after a passenger-cargo vessel caught fire near San Andres, Quezon, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

According to a statement on Thursday, the fire on board MV Monreal was caused by an electrical short circuit in a crew cabin.

The ship was en route to Aroroy, Masbate with 66 passengers, 22 crew members, 31 cadets, and 16 rolling cargoes when the incident occurred. 

“The blaze was promptly contained, and power was later restored by a licensed electrician onboard,” the statement read.

The vessel docked at 10:49 p.m. in San Andres Port, where the passengers and crew on board were subjected to medical checks and were all confirmed to be in good condition.

“The PCG has since detained the vessel, instructed the Master to submit a Marine Protest, and collected sworn statements from passengers and crew,” the statement added. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News