Vessel caught fire in Cebu, PCG says

A vessel caught fire in the vicinity waters off east of Binungcalan in Cebu City on Thursday evening, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Friday.

According to the PCG, the vessel involved was MV Filipinas Dinagat of Cokaliong Shipping Lines.

The PCG said vessel BRP Suluan immediately responded to the incident and arrived in the area at 11:45 p.m. Some 38 individuals onboard the vessel were rescued and transported through a motor banca to CGSS Danao.

Meanwhile, the vessel's captain, Joel Villanueva, and three other crew members, were also successfully rescued from the incident.

In its latest report, the PCG said a total of 45 individuals, including the crew, were onboard the ill-fated vessel.

Probe on the accident is still ongoing, the PCG said.

As of 7:30 a.m., MV Filipinas Dinagat is still on fire. The BRP Suluan continues to monitor and conduct maritime safety protocol to notify transiting vessels about the incident. —AOL, GMA News