PCG responds to burning yacht off Romblon

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responded to a motor yacht that caught fire off the Romblon coast on Sunday.

The PCG said the incident involving the MY Jason occurred in the waters between Barangay Mabini and Barangay Mabulo in San Fernando, Romblon, just before 1 p.m.

A search and rescue response team was dispatched to assist the stricken vessel.

“Prior to the Coast Guard's arrival, nearby fishermen rescued the four crew members from the burning motor yacht. They were transferred to the responding PCG team and were confirmed safe. No injuries were reported,” the PCG said.

In Vonne Aquino's report on 24 Oras Weekend, video showed the four crew members being picked up by the fishermen who rushed to the scene.

"It's also a fishing area. May mga fishermen na du'un sa area that were able to witness the fire," said Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, District Commander, PCG Southern Tagalog.

Witness Pamela Roy said, "'Yung nakita ko po nung tineleskopyo ko, para po siyang white na barko na hindi masyadong maaninag ko kung cargo ba o tanker basta makapal 'yung usok po kasiya, umaapoy."

Based on the initial investigation, MY Jason departed Subic Yacht Club on the morning of July 17 en route to Consolacion, Cebu.

“According to its captain, the fire allegedly originated from the engine compartment,” the coast guard said.

PCG Spokesperson, Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said, "Once the fire is under control, the Coast Guard will tow the motor yacht to a safer location away from the navigable channel to prevent obstruction to maritime traffic and mitigate potential navigational hazards.”

"The PCG is also issuing safety advisories to vessels transiting the area while our personnel continue to monitor the situation and coordinate post-incident response," she added. —RF, GMA News