3 dead as fast craft catches fire off Cebu

At least three people were feared killed after a fast craft heading from Bohol to Cebu caught fire Sunday noon, the Philippine Coast Guard said. PCG commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag said the MV Island Fast Craft 1 was nearing Pier 3 at Cebu City when a fire broke out in its engine room. "Ang casualty apparently, dalawang passengers plus isang crew, ito ang chief mate (Our initial reports showed the casualties included two passengers and one crew, supposedly the chief mate)," Liwag said in an interview on dzRH radio. When asked if the three had died, he said yes. He did not name the three, however. He said the fast craft has 67 passengers and eight crew members, but only 64 passengers and seven crew were rescued by a passing vessel. Initial investigation showed the incident occurred while the fast craft was on its way from Tubigon in Bohol to Pier 3. Liwag said he has ordered an investigation into the incident, saying a fast craft should have high safety standards. "Tingnan natin ang record niya sa Marina, kung kailan siya nabili at ano ang modification (We want to see its records from the Maritime Industry Authority, including when it was acquired and what modifications were made to it)," he said. - KBK, GMA News