MANILA: A fire broke out on a Philippine passenger ferry sailing to Cebu with 124 people on board on Sunday, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman said.
Armand Balilo told local media that the ship's 97 passengers and 27 crew were safe following a a rescue operation launched by the Coast Guard.
Balilo said the fire broke out at around 10am engulfing the MV Lite Ferry 28, while it sailing some 300 metres from Taloot Wharf.
The ferry, which left Tagbilaran City in nearby Bohol province around 8am, was approaching the Cebu island when the incident occurred, he said.
He added the fire was put out at around 2.30pm, more than four hours later.
Substation Commander Gerry Patenio of the PCG-Argao said an investigation will be conducted to establish the cause of the fire and amount of damage caused by the incident.
