Minor fire hits research ship

ILOILO CITY, Philippines–A training and research ship was hit by a minor fire while the vessel was at Iloilo port on Tuesday morning, according to a coast guard report.

The TRV Sardinella was undergoing maintenance repair when the rug on the floor of its main deck caught fire around 11 a.m.

The fire was immediately put out by the crew and no injuries or major damage was reported.

The coast guard report said the fire was caused by welding sparks, which had accidentally fallen on the rug.

The vessel is owned by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (Pasuc) in Region 6. It is used as a training facility for research and maritime programs of Pasuc member-schools.