7 rescued off burning ship

A cargo ship navigating waters northwest of Limbones Island erupted in flames early Sunday morning, triggering an emergency response from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel who successfully rescued all seven crew members aboard the burning vessel.

The PCG’s BRP Boracay patrol boat reached the stricken MV CASTPHILL XV by 4:27 a.m. on 30 March, extracting the ship’s captain and six crew members from the fiery scene. By 7:59 a.m., the survivors had been transported to Pier 15 at Manila’s South Harbor where Coast Guard medical teams conducted evaluations.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon immediately pledged to strengthen maritime safety protocols through relevant agencies, with the PCG reaffirming its operational readiness for sea emergencies.

“We remain committed to safeguarding lives at sea through prompt emergency response,” a PCG spokesperson stated.

Maritime authorities have launched a full investigation into the blaze’s origins, though preliminary reports indicate no immediate environmental impact from the incident.

The rescued crew members are reportedly in stable condition as investigators work to determine what caused the fire aboard the cargo vessel.

The PCG noted the successful operation highlights their ongoing capabilities in maritime emergency response, while Dizon’s office emphasized continued coordination between government agencies to prevent similar incidents.