Sea accidents are common in the Philippines because of frequent storms, badly maintained vessels, overcrowding, and spotty enforcement of safety regulations, especially in remote provinces. He said officials are investigating whether the 33-year-old ferry was seaworthy, if there were passengers not listed on the manifest, and whether the crew properly guided passengers to safety. In addition, it had a security contingent consisting of four coast guard marshals and an unspecified number of soldiers who were not listed on the manifest for their protection, Marfe said. According to the manifest, it was carrying 205 passengers and a 35-member crew, he said. The steel-hulled ferry could accommodate up to 430 people and was not overcrowded, Marfe said. ![]() In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Ports Authority Zamboanga, the remains of the MV Lady Mary Joy is seen in Basilan, southern Philippines Thursday March 30, 2023. “Some of the passengers were roused from their sleep due to the commotion caused by the fire. At least 23 passengers were injured and taken to hospitals. The ferry was traveling to Jolo town in Sulu province from the southern port city of Zamboanga when it caught fire off Basilan close to midnight, Hataman said. The fire raged for about eight hours, he said. ![]() The ferry’s skipper, however, told coast guard officials that he tried to run the burning ferry aground on the nearest shore to allow more people to survive or be rescued, regional coast guard commander Rejard Marfe said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Manage Print Subscription / Tax Receipt.
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