Basilan ferry fire survivors tell of passengers jumping into sea to escape blaze

Some  of those who died in the ferry fire off Basilan on Wednesday night chose to jump into the waters to escape the blaze, the Philippine Coast Guard and some witnesses said.

According to Ivan Mayrina's report on "24 Oras", one survivor said that the fire started from the lower decks among the cabins.

“Nagsimula kasi yung sunog sa may baba sa cabin… 'Yung mga nasa baba nahihirapan umakyat kaya ‘yung iba nagtatalunan na sa dagat,” said Christian Garcia, who also jumped into the water.

(The fire started in the lower cabins. The passengers had a hard time climbing so some of them jumped off the ship.)

Retired military officer Hadji Abdurajak Abdulla said he was the last person to climb off from the lower cabins.

“Bitbit ko yung tatlong bag ko, gumanon ako pero nag-isip ako na maraming nagdadala ng anak...Naawa ko yung mga bata nagdala kaya inangat ko, sakay kayo doon para pumunta doon sa unahan,” Abdulla said.

(I was carrying my bags and was about to escape but I noticed a lot of passengers were with their children. I helped them to climb.)

×

Need a wellness break? Sign up for The Boost!

Stay up-to-date with the latest health and wellness reads.

Please enter a valid email address

Sign Up

Your email is safe with us

“Ako ‘yung pinaka huli. Sumakit na paa ko, wala nang magtulak sa akin at makaabot sa akin,” he added.

(I was the last one there. I hurt my feet trying to get out.)

The survivors were brought to the nearest hospitals in Basilan and Zamboanga City.

Aleson Shipping, the operating company of MV Lady Mary Joy 3, said they would shoulder the victims’ medical expenses.

The PCG said it would look into all the possible angles in their ongoing investigations but added there was no indication so far that the incident was a terrorist attack.

It also reminded passengers to remain vigilant, especially those who would be traveling for the upcoming Holy Week.

“Pag sasakay kayo ng barko, ang una niyong titignan yung mga exit points. Kung saan nakalagay ang mga life jacket mga life raft at higit sa lahat makinig sa instruction ng mga crew kung anong gagawin kung magkaroon ng emergency,” said PCG Spokesperson Commodore Armando Balilo.

(The first thing passengers need to do when boarding a ship is to look for the exit points and where the life jackets and life rafts are stored. It’s also important to listen to the crew's instructions on what they need to do in case of an emergency.)

Balilo also shared ways how passengers could ensure their safety in case of fire.

“Punta tayo sa open air. 'Wag magtago sa CR, gumapang palabas. Importante rito 'yung exit points dapat natandaan natin at habang gina-guide tayo ng crew wag tayo mag panic hanggang tayo ay makaligtas papunta sa safe area,” Balilo said.

(Go to the open air. Don’t hide in the toilet. It’s vital to remember the exit points while the crews are guiding us. Don’t panic and evacuate to a safe area.) —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News