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PCG continues search for missing persons in ferry fire; 24 still unaccounted for
Philippines
PCG continues search for missing persons in ferry fire; 24 still unaccounted for
PCG continues search for missing persons in ferry fire; 24 still unaccounted for
Published Apr 2, 2023 08:26 am
Search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) operations were ongoing to find the 24 persons who remained unaccounted for when a fire struck passenger-cargo vessel MV Lady Mary Joy 3 while sailing off Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan last March 30.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Sunday, April 2, that the total number of individuals who boarded MV Lady Mary Joy 3 prior to the incident was actually 269.
It included 205 passengers, 35 crew members, four PCG sea marshals, and 25 Philippine Army (PA) personnel.
Of the number, 216 were rescued, 29 died, while the remaining 24 were still unaccounted for.
The number was higher compared to the vessel’s passenger manifest that was earlier released by the PCG which indicated that there were only 252 individuals onboard the ferry.
Vice Admiral Rolando Punzalan Jr., deputy commandant for operations of PCG, said the SRR operations will continue in hopes of finding the missing persons even during the Holy Week break.
“Our search, rescue, and retrieval operations are ongoing and it will continue as well as our investigation,” he said in a radio interview with dzBB.
Meanwhile, Punzalan said the survivors were already given appropriate medical attention.
“They are all in good condition. We are getting their testimonies as part of our investigation,” he said.
The owner of the ferry, Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc., has also apologized to the families of the victims even as they vowed to cooperate with the authorities in investigating the cause of the fire.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked over this tragic incident that has resulted in the loss of precious human lives,” it said in a statement. “We cannot apologize enough and we are profoundly sorry for the misery this has caused to many of us.”
The Zamboanga City-based shipping firm said it already extended financial assistance to the victims.
“As we continue to cooperate with the authorities in investigating the real cause of the fire, we sincerely offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and prayers for the dear departed,” it added.
The PCG has yet to reveal the exact cause of the fire although based on the testimonies of some survivors, the fire supposedly started from an air-conditioned room at the cabin which quickly spread to the kitchen.