Cargo vessel catches fire off Batangas, no casualties: Coast Guard

July 20, 2020

A Philippine-registered cargo vessel caught fire off the waters of Batangas on Monday morning.

Commodore Armando Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman said   the PCG's  Command Center received a distress call around 4:53 am.

The report relayed by  BRP Tubbataha said M/V Moreta Venture, a Philippine registered cargo vessel caught fire while at vicinity of 1.2 nautical miles southwest off Marikaban Island, Batangas.

PCG dispatched BRP Boracay, which was berthed in Sta. Clara, Batangas City.

"Upon arrival at the incident area, PCG personnel ensured that all officers and crew onboard were safe  before combatting fire onboard," he added.

According to Commodore Leovigildo Panopio of the PCG District – Southern Tagalog there was no casualty as the incident was contained and the Coast Guard declared fire out at around 08:00 a.m.

Balilo said the cargo vessel, now dead on the water and drifting, will be towed to the nearest port.

"The PCG is coordinating with the nearest tugboat in the vicinity waters for assistance," he said. Robina Asido/DMS