7 Dead After Ferry Catches Fire Near Quezon

Seven individuals died after a fire broke out inside a fast craft vessel near Real, Quezon, on Monday.

According to the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG), MV MERCRAFT 2 was traveling to Real, Quezon, from Polillo Island when it caught fire, leaving seven dead while 126 passengers and eight crew members stranded near the coast of Real, Quezon.

A search and rescue operation was immediately conducted to rescue distressed passengers of the fast craft vessel.

At around 11 in the morning, PCG rescued 103 uninjured individuals, and 24 individuals sustained injuries.

According to PCG, they received a distress call from the said vessel at around 6:30 am. At around 9:33 am, the fire was under control.

In a Facebook post from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), MV MERCRAFT 2 was towed towards Baluti Island in Barangay Cawayan, Real, Quezon. (ASC)