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Car-carrier vessel catches fire in Recto Bank, says coast guard


A ship caught fire in waters off Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday.

The ship was the K-line operated and Panama registered car carrier vessel M/V Diamond Highway, according to PCG spokesperson Capt. Armand Balilo.

It came from Singapore and is bound for Batangas when it caught fire.

The 25 crew members have safely abandoned the ship after being rescued by a bulk carrier that is en route to Thailand.

The PCG already deployed its BRP Cabra to help in put out the fire.

According to an interview with Balilo on GMA News TV's Quick Response Team on Monday afternoon, the fire was first reported on Saturday night.

"Noong Sabado ng gabi nakatanggap kami ng distress call na isang barko ang nasusunog. Hinanap kaagad namin ito. Nahirapan tayo hanapin, kahapon lang natin siya nakita at ang location niya ngayon malapit na sa Malampaya," Balilo said.

It has not been determined yet whether there are Filipinos among the rescued crew members.

Fire-fighting  operations continued, while the fire's cause was still unknown. —Dona Magsino/NB/DVM, GMA News

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