At least six dead in fishing boat explosion off the Philippine province of Cebu | News

The Coast Guard reports the rescue of six people after an explosion and fire on a boat that apparently suffered engine failure.

At least six crew members of a fishing boat were killed in an explosion and fire on the vessel at sea off a central Philippine province.

Coast Guard officials reported the fatalities on Thursday, adding that six crew members were rescued from the F/B King Bryan after an explosion and resulting fire occurred the previous day about eight kilometers off the city of Naga in Cebu province.

Coast Guard videos and images show flames and smoke rising from the fishing boat as rescuers searched the water in the darkness. Crew members with burns were carried to safety by Coast Guard personnel.

The boat, which had a wooden hull and bamboo outriggers, apparently suffered an engine failure. In the ensuing disaster, several crew members were injured, while others had to throw themselves into the sea in panic.

According to the Coast Guard, a passing tugboat helped extinguish the fire and a search and rescue operation was launched.

Survivors

Surviving crew members, including the captain, were still being treated in hospital or were too traumatized to tell investigators what caused the explosion and resulting fire.

One of the injured crew members is in critical condition in a hospital in Cebu.

Sea monster sightings are common in the Philippines due to frequent storms, poorly maintained boats, overcrowding, and poor enforcement of safety regulations.

Last year, the ferry M/V Esperanza Star with 120 people on board caught fire while traveling from Siquijor province to Bohol province in the central Philippines – all were rescued.