Fire hits ship anchored in Navotas; missing crew, found

A ship anchored near Navotas Centennial Park was on fire Monday morning amid the strong winds that batter Metro Manila due to Tropical Storm Enteng, according to GMA's Joseph Morong.

Initial report from the Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region showed the fire started past 9 a.m. 

The BFP and Philippine Coast Guard are already in the area but "firefighting and rescue are not possible due to strong winds and high waves."

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco said the PCG is searching for a crew member that was reported missing.

“May na-rescue na 'yung barangay at 'yung Coast Guard ngayon nandito naghahanap pa po kasi may reported pa na hindi nakikita, parang isa. 'Yun 'yung report, bine-verify pa natin,” Tiangco sasid.

(The barangay personnel rescued some crew members of the burning ship and the Coast Guard is here to look for one crew member that was reported missing, but we are still verifying it.)

In a separate statement, the PCG said all crew members have been found.

“MTUG Phil Leyte reported they rescued 17 of the 18 crew and brought them to the CGSS Navotas at around 11:15AM. BFP Navotas Medical Team provided medical assistance to the rescued individuals,” the PCG said.

“The last crew was rescued at Barangay Sipac-Almacen. He is now at the Navotas City Hospital for medical treatment,” it added.

The mayor said they received report that a ship was burning near the city at around 10 a.m.

Authorities have yet to identify the ship as it cannot be seen due to strong waves and winds brought by Enteng.

The PCG later identified the vessel as M/V Kamilla.

It said LCT GT Express was swept away by strong current and hit training ship M/V Kamilla, which was anchored at the vicinity waters of Navotas Anchorage Area.

The incident was reported to PCG at 7:28 a.m. The PCG tried to send a floating asset to rescue the crew but failed to do so due to strong current and unfavorable weather conditions. 

“At around 9:19 AM, MV Kamilla reported fire onboard. At around 10:50AM, MV Kamilla’s owner informed the PCG that the crew already abandoned the distressed vessel,” the PCG said.

Eight minutes later, MTUG Phil Leyte reported that they initially rescued 17 of the 18 crew.

“Meanwhile, the PCG deploys BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) to conduct firefighting and advises the master to file a marine protest at the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Manila,” the PCG said.

Other maritime incidents Navotas

Aside from this, four more maritime incidents were reported in Navotas on Monday amid the onslaught of Tropical Storm Enteng.

Barge Tamban was drifted, towed, and brought to the Navotas Fish Port Complex. 

Barge ASC Regine and MTKR Patriot III ran aground and accidentally hit and damaged the seawall. 

MTKR EBC Maricel VI ran aground due to strong current and big waves in the vicinity waters of Barangay San Roque, Navotas City.—Mariel Celine Serquiña and Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News