CEBU CITY. An explosion and fire aboard a fishing vessel off the coast of Naga City in Cebu has claimed the lives of six Filipino fishermen. The incident occurred Wednesday night when the wooden-hulled boat, F/B King Bryan, erupted in flames approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) offshore.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that six other crew members were rescued during a nighttime operation. Among the survivors is the boat’s skipper, who, along with others, is receiving treatment at a local hospital. One crew member remains in critical condition with severe burns. Coast guard officials stated that the survivors are too traumatized to recount the details of the explosion, which is currently under investigation.
Videos and images released by the PCG show the terrifying scene, with flames engulfing the vessel and thick smoke billowing into the dark sky. As rescuers arrived, they found some crewmembers with burn injuries and others desperately treading water. A passing tugboat assisted in extinguishing the blaze, and PCG teams were quickly dispatched to provide aid and conduct a search-and-rescue operation.
The F/B King Bryan, a traditional fishing boat with bamboo outriggers, reportedly encountered engine trouble before the explosion, which then led to the fire. Panic ensued as crewmembers jumped into the sea to escape the flames. The PCG’s quick response, along with the assistance of nearby vessels, was crucial in rescuing the survivors and preventing further loss of life.
“The immediate response by nearby vessels and our rescue teams was instrumental in saving lives,” a PCG spokesperson said. Despite these efforts, the search for missing crew members initially continued, with the bodies of three fishermen later recovered, bringing the total death toll to six.
The tragic incident has deeply affected the local fishing community in Cebu, where the F/B King Bryan was based. The fishermen’s death is a significant loss, both to their families and to the community that relies heavily on the sea for their livelihood.
“The loss of these fishermen is a heartbreaking blow to their families and our community,” said a local official from Naga City. “We extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones.”
As investigations continue, the cause of the explosion remains unclear. The PCG is conducting a thorough investigation to understand the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. “We’re conducting a thorough investigation to determine what caused the explosion,” the PCG stated. “Understanding the sequence of events is crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
