Those rescued had panicked & drowned after the fire incident: Governor

MANILA: Twelve people have died and seven others are still missing after a boat carrying about 250 passengers and crew caught fire between Philippine islands. The provincial governor gave this information on Thursday. Jim Hataman, governor of the southern island province of Basilan, said many of those rescued had panicked and drowned after the fire. They were pulled out of the sea by the Coast Guard, Navy, another boat and local fishermen. Search and rescue operations are ongoing on Thursday.

Most of the people on board in 'MV Lady Mary Joy 3' boat were rescued during the overnight operation, the governor said. The death toll is feared to rise as the data is being collected by various agencies. The governor said that three children were also included in the dead. At least 23 passengers have been injured in this accident, who have been admitted to hospitals. Gov. Jim Hataman said in a phone conversation that some passengers were awakened by the commotion caused by the fire. Some jumped overboard.

Officials said that the bodies of most of the people who died due to drowning have been recovered. Hataman said the burning boat was towed to the shores of Basilan. The case is being investigated. Marine accidents are common in the Philippine Islands, especially in remote provinces, often due to typhoons, poorly maintained boats, overcrowding and lax enforcement of safety regulations.