Timely response by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responds to a burning vessel off Castilla town in Sorsogon prevented total destruction of the seacraft and injuries to its crew.
According to a PCG report, MV Ken, a cargo vessel owned by the Pherwin Shipping Corp., was anchored off the Castilla poblacion when it caught fire on board at about 11 a.m. on Nov. 2.
The PCG coordinated with the Philippine Navy (PN) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for joint search and rescue (SAR) and firefighting operations.
Deckhands of the Philippine Navy ship BRP Federico Martir (PC-385) also helped put out the blaze, assisted by crewmen of the MV Ken and the MV Annabelle.
The PCG said all cight crewmembers of MV KEN were safe and and in good physical condition.
The sailors said the fire started in the vessel’s mess hall.
PCG probers were still trying to determine the cause of the fire.