BRP Cape Engaño (File photo: BRP Cape Engaño / Facebook)
A multi-role response vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) caught fire early morning on Monday, March 23, after a suspected electrical problem in its laundry room.
The fire onboard BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) while it was docked under the Coast Guard District (CGD) Palawan in Puerto Princesa City was reported to the PCG National Headquarters around 6 a.m.
The PCG said a Disaster Response Group team was immediately deployed after the report reached the operations center.
Firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Puerto Princesa City were also mobilized to contain the blaze.
No casualties were reported and the fire was quickly contained, the CGD Palawan said.
The fire was declared under control after 14 minutes and was deemed out around 6 a.m.
The CGD Palawan said an investigation was conducted to determine the exact cause of the fire although initial findings pointed to electrical problems inside the laundry room of the ship, an area that typically houses heavy-duty machines which draw significant power.
The PCG has yet to release an assessment of the damage while operations of the vessel may be affected pending inspection and repairs.
BRP Cape Engaño is one of the PCG’s modern assets used to strengthen maritime security and disaster response, especially in the western part of the country.