Two dead and 14 other passengers were missing in a Dapitan City-bound ferry, the MV Lite Ferry 16, that caught fire Tuesday, hours after leaving Cebu.
The incident happened past 12 midnight, approximately 1.5 nautical miles from Pulauan Port.
Zamboanga del Norte PCG Station Commander LTJG Cherry Rose Manaay confirmed the two fatalities–a one year-old infant and a 60-year-old male.
Apple Marie Agolong, tourism officer of Dapitan City, said on her Facebook account said that out of 137 passengers 110 were rescued.
It’s unclear how many crewmen were on board.
She said other passengers were brought to GV Hotel in Dapitan City to rest.
She also added the management of the shipping company assisted the passengers.
A passenger narrated that the vessel, owned and operated by Lite Shipping Corporation, was nearing Palauan Port when the fire broke out.
Based on initial reports, the blaze started in the engine room.
Manaay said rescue operations are hampered by strong winds and current in the area.
Search and rescue efforts continue.
Photo and video credit: Allan Barredo
