Passenger boat catches fire and sinks in Bohol; 163 people rescued, 1 dead, 1 missing – Manila Bulletin

A passenger boat carrying 165 passengers and crew was razed by fire before sinking in Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol on Sunday afternoon June 26th.

The passenger boat Mama Mary–Chloe was sailing in nearby waters off Tugas and Tilmobo Islands when it suddenly caught fire around 1 p.m., the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

A report reaching PCG headquarters said the ship was loaded with eight crew members and 157 passengers, including 142 adults and 15 children.

According to PCG Station Eastern Bohol, the boat has a maximum capacity of 236 passengers.

The PCG said 163 passengers and crew had been rescued, with one individual dead and another still missing as of 5.30pm.

Those rescued were taken to Hilongos Port in Leyte, Pitogo Municipality in Quezon, and Gaus Island and Pres. Carlos P. Garcia to Bohol for immediate medical attention.

Meanwhile, the deceased has been identified as Adolfo Rañola, 53, from Brgy. Poblacion, Trinidad, Bohol. He was a passenger on the boat and his body was recovered by authorities.

The PCG said the vessel came from Ubay, Bohol and was on its way to Bato, Leyte when the incident happened.

“The PCG immediately alerted all vessels in the area upon receiving the report,” the PCG said.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined as the PCG has deployed search and rescue teams to locate the remaining missing persons.

BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) was dispatched to the scene of the incident to assist in the search and rescue operation.