Fire hits ship off Lapu-Lapu City; rescue operation in progress

The Philippine Coast Guard said Saturday that a fire broke out on a ship that ran aground in December 2021, with seven crew members and one security guard staying aboard serving as lookout.

In an incident report posted on Facebook on Saturday morning, the PCG said its personnel responded to a fire onboard MV Trans Asia 1 in the vicinity waters off Barangay Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

According the report, the PCG received a distress call at 2 a.m., prompting the deployment of Special Operations Group (SOG) teams to assist the seven crew members and one security guard on board.

Screengrab image from PCG Facebook

PCG's initial information indicates the vessel ran aground amid the onslaught of Typhoon Odette in December 2021.

The eight people have been on board to ensure that the vessel's equipment and materials will not be stolen.

During the fire incident, the crew members and the security guard abandoned the ship, the PCG said.

Two of the seven crew members were brought to the nearest hospital for medical assistance, according to the PCG, adding that the special operation was still in progress.  —LBG, GMA News