Ship aground in Lapu-lapu City catches fire –PCG

A ship that ran aground along Cebu's Lapu-lapu City shoreline in December 2021 caught fire on Friday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Based on an initial investigation, the Coast Guard said the blaze broke out on the MV Diamond Highway while it was being cut apart in a salvage operation.

The fire has yet to be extinguished, but the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other fire authorities are already onsite.

“The Coast Guard Sub-Station Lapu-Lapu and Marine Environmental Protection Unit-Central Visayas assist the BFP Lapu-Lapu in combating the fire on board MV Diamond Highway at the vicinity shoreline of Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, today, 28 April 2023,” said the PCG.

MTug Stargas, a tugboat with firefighting capabilities, was also deployed to the fire.

“Per inquiry to MV Diamond Highway’s Operations Manager, Mr. Arnel Villaganas, the fire started from the starboard bow while cutting the vessel's scrap metals,” the PCG said.

“Pilipinas Precious Metal Resources Inc. Supervisor, Mr. Butch Orasaga, said they safely disembarked all personnel conducting scrap operations,” it added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News