Deadly Ferry Fires Strike Philippines, Leaving Multiple Fatalities and Missing Passengers
A ferry carrying about 250 passengers and crew caught fire in the southern Philippines, leaving 31 people dead and at least 7 missing. Many were rescued by the coast guard, navy, another ferry, and local fishermen. The burned ferry was towed to Basilan's shoreline, where 18 more bodies were discovered. Sea accidents are common in the Philippines due to storms, badly maintained boats, overcrowding, and spotty enforcement of safety regulations.