By Gabriela Baron
A passenger-cargo ship caught fire in the vicinity waters off Panglao, Bohol early Sunday morning, June 18, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.
Passenger-cargo vessel MV Esperanza Star had 120 passengers and crew members on board, were all safe and accounted for, according to PCG.
Of the number, 55 were officers and crew, while 65 were passengers.
The ship departed from Port of Lazi in Siquijor to Port of Tagbilaran in Bohol.
Based on the initial investigation, MV Esperanza Star caught fire around 4:30 a.m. and was declared fire out by 10:00 a.m.
As of 12:00 noon, BRP Cape San Agustin and BRP Malamawi remained in the waters of Panglao to monitor the situation of the burned vessel.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
