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7 die from fire onboard MV Mercraft 2
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The fastcraft’s engine room caught fire on May 23
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MV Mercraft carried a total of 134 individuals, 126 of whom were passengers and eight crew members
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The vessel was not overloaded. It has a maximum capacity of 186 individuals
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MV Mercraft 2 sailed from Polillo Island and was bound for Real, Quezon
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Before noon of May 23, 127 passengers were rescued, 24 of whom were injured
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Investigators have yet to determine the fire’s origin
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MV Mercraft 2 is owned and operated by a Erwel Merania, who is based in Batangas
Seven died from fire in the engine room of fastcraft MV Mercraft 2 on the morning of May 23.
The fastcraft, which carried 126 passengers and eight crew members, left Polillo Island at around 5:00 a.m. bound for Real, Quezon.
In an incident report, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it received a distress call at 6:30 a.m. that fire had started in the engine room of the fastcraft when it was around 1,000 yards from the Port of Real.
With the fire under control at 9:33 a.m., the fastcraft was towed to Baluti Island, Barangay Cawayan, Real. Before noon, 127 passengers were rescued, 24 of whom were injured.
MV Mercraft 2 is owned and operated by an Erwel Merania, who is based in Batangas.
The casualties were Viola Impreso, Marivic Samareta, Edna Balanac, Mina Enciso, Charito Escareces, Crisanto Debelles, and Andy Tejares.
Investigators have yet to determine the fire’s origin.
PCG said MV Mercraft 2 was not overloaded since it was only carrying 134 individuals, including crew members. Its maximum capacity is 186 individuals.
There were no traces of oil spill in the vicinity waters due to the incident, PCG said.
