Philippines: Passengers Jump from Burning Ferry to Escape Flames

A fire broke out on board a passenger ferry MV Wonderful Stars on Saturday, while the ferry was docked at the port of Ormoc in Leyte province, central Philippines.

The ferry, operated by Cebu-based shipping line Roble Shipping, was carrying 544 passengers at the time, who were all evacuated from the vessel as the fire engulfed the ship forcing some men on board to jump into the water to escape the flames.

The ferry had just arrived to Ormoc on Leyte Island from nearby Cebu city.

“Firefighting by the Bureau of Fire Protection is still going on with fire under control but not yet declared fire out. Three injured crew members were sent to Ormoc City hospital for medical treatment of minor injuries incurred while combating the fire. There were no reported casualties or injured passengers,” the Philippine Coast Guard said in an update on Saturday.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined by local authorities and an investigation is under way.

Image: Philippine Coast Guard