The body of a missing crew member of a vessel that exploded at a private wharf in Zamboanga City yesterday was retrieved by rescuers Saturday morning, April 17.
The crew member was identified as Rene Jimlani, a crew member of the M/L Saidamae.
Two other crew members believed to have been inside the boat during the explosion remain missing.
The M/L Saida Mae, a vessel carrying 150 drums of gasoline, exploded while docked at the Petron Wharf, Baliwasan Seaside in Barangay Baliwasan, Zamboanga City.
The boat was scheduled to depart for Jolo, Sulu.
Eight crew members, including the boat captain, were onboard when the vessel exploded.
Investigation revealed that boat mechanic Maurar Najar Hamimon was turning on the engine of the vessel when a spark ignited the drums of gasoline leading to the explosion.
The vessel was immediately razed by fire.
Hamimon and Jilam Madda, the boat captain, sustained serious burn injuries and were brought to a local hospital for treatment.
Three crew members sustained minor injuries and were brought to the police station for investigation.
Zamboanga City District Fire Marshall F/Maj. Jacqueline Ortega said estimated damage was initially reported at P2-million.