Ship catches fire while docked in Cebu

July 10, 2019

A crew of MV Trans Asia 1 was injured in a fire while the ship was docked and undergoing repair at FF Cruz Wharf in Mandaue Cebu Wednesday morning.

Capt. Armando Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman, said based on initial report MV Trans Asia 1, owned by Trans Asia Shipping Lines,  caught fire at Pier 8.

Balilo said the fire was initially reported around 3:48 am.

He said after receiving a report, the Coast Guard District Central Visayas immediately "informed and directed MRRV 4406, Special Operations Unit Central Visayas, Medical-CV, Marine Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU-CV) and CGSS Mandaue to proceed to the area to render assistance."

"Initial information gathered from the operations officer of Trans Asia, the fire started at the galley air blower. However other possibility/cause of the incident is to be determined," he added.

Balilo said based on assessment and inspection there is no risk of oil spill as of 4:20 am.

Balilo said one of crew members sustained a minor injury in the head.

He was given first aid and brought to University of Cebu Medical Center, said Balilo.

Balilo said Bureau of Fire Protection personnel declared fire out around 7:18 am.

Balilo said "further inquiry will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident." Robina Asido/DMS