3 killed as Cebu-bound ferry catches fire

CEBU City, Philippines—Two female passengers and one crew member were killed on Sunday when a fast craft caught fire while sailing to Cebu City from Bohol, according to the report received by the Cebu Coast Guard station.

At least 64 passengers and seven crew members were rescued before Island Fastcraft 1 of Island Shipping Corp. eventually sank past 2 p.m., about two hours after it caught fire about four nautical miles off Lawis Ledge in Talisay City, Cebu.

Commander Rolando Punzalan, Cebu Coast Guard head, said the vessel left Tubigon town in Bohol about 10:50 a.m. It was scheduled to arrive at Pier 3 in Cebu City at 12:20 p.m.

But a fire broke out from the engine room at 12:10 p.m. while the vessel was about four nautical miles off Lawis Ledge in Talisay, said Punzalan.

The fatalities were identified as Chief Mate Abelardo Torrevillas Sr., 57, from Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Matea Infiesto, 62, of Barangay (village) Bacani in Clarin, Bohol; and Nicitas Cabrera, 75, of Davao.

Physicians at the Tubigon Community Hospital said the three were already dead when taken to the medical center.

Torrevillas succumbed to a heart attack while the two women drowned, according to hospital report.

Punzalan said 64 passengers and seven crew members were rescued by crew members of Seajet fast-craft, which happened to be within the vicinity.

All passengers and crew were taken to Tubigon Community Hospital. Of the number, only six, including a four-month old baby, remained confined.

Originally posted at 03:45 pm | Sunday, August 21, 2011