Quick response contains fire aboard tanker at Ormoc Port

TACLOBAN CITY— A fire triggered by an explosion aboard a motor tanker at GGC Port in Barangay Punta, Ormoc City, Leyte, was quickly brought under control Tuesday morning with no injuries or fatalities reported among the vessel’s crew.

The incident involving MTKR Matipuno occurred around 10:05 a.m. on Tuesday, prompting personnel from the Coast Guard Station Western Leyte (CGSWL), Coast Guard Sub-Station Ormoc (CGSS Ormoc), and other concerned units to respond immediately.

Coast Guard personnel who were in the area noticed the explosion and established communication with the tanker to assess the situation. The responding team also coordinated the deployment of MBCA KCQ 3 to proceed to the vessel.

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Upon reaching the tanker, the response team conducted an initial inspection and assessment.

According to the vessel’s master, the explosion may have originated from faulty electrical wiring involving the port and starboard windlass funnel board. Authorities have not determined the cause of the explosion as they continue their investigation.

The tanker’s firefighting team immediately took action and successfully extinguished the fire, preventing the incident from escalating.

No crew member was reported injured or killed, according to the initial assessment.

The Coast Guard is continuing its investigation and assessment to determine the exact cause of the explosion and establish any damage to the vessel or its equipment./coa