a Philippine Coast Guard ship trains its hose as it tries to extinguish fire on the MV Lady Mary Joy at Basilan, southern Philippines early March 30, 2023. (Photo: manisteenews.com) Hanoi (VNA) - A ferry carrying more than 200 people caught fire in southernPhilippines on March 29, killing at least 10 passengers.
Nixon Alonzo, chief of disaster reduction and management office in Basilanprovince, said the ferry was headed to Zamboanga City from Jolo when it caught fire in the watersoff Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhammad town of Basilan province past 10 pmlocal time on March 29.
Sevenpassengers who jumped into the sea remained missing. At least 195 passengersand 35 crew members have been rescued, he added.
ThePhilippine Coast Guard confirmed the incident, saying it deployed personnel andits vessels to help in the search and rescue operations but did not give detailsabout the casualties./.