An explosion and subsequent fire on a wooden fishing boat near Naga City, Cebu Province in the Philippines resulted in the death of six Filipino crew members. The Philippine Coast Guard reported on Thursday that six other crew members were rescued during the nighttime, with one being in a critical state.
The tragedy occurred on the F/B King Bryan on June 5, approximately five miles off the coast of Naga City. Survivors, including the boat’s captain, are currently undergoing medical treatment and are too shaken to provide details about the explosion. One crew member’s condition remains critical.
The boat with a wooden hull and bamboo outriggers supposedly had engine issues before the explosion that set the boat ablaze. The crew had to jump into the sea to save themselves. A nearby tugboat aided in putting out the fire while the Coast Guard initiated a search and rescue operation.
The Coast Guard released video footage and images showing the boat enveloped in flames and smoke while rescuers searched the waters in the darkness. Injured crew members with burn injuries are seen being transported to safety by Coast Guard personnel.
The disaster of the F/B King Bryan reiterates the common occurrence of maritime accidents in the Philippines. The archipelago is susceptible to such incidents due to severe weather, inadequate maintenance of boats, overcapacity, and inconsistent application of safety rules. In December 1987, the overcrowded ferry Dona Paz sank after a collision with a fuel tanker, leading to more than 4,300 deaths in what is considered the worst peacetime maritime disaster in history.
The Coast Guard is still conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and fire on the F/B King Bryan. The maritime sector in the Philippines continues to face challenges in enhancing safety standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
