Off the coast of Naga City, Cebu Province, Philippines, a fishing boat explosion and subsequent fire led to the loss of six Filipino crew members’ lives. The Philippine Coast Guard saved an additional six crew members from the nighttime turmoil, stating on Thursday, June 6 that one of them is in critical condition.
The disaster unfolded on June 5 aboard the F/B King Bryan, which was stationed about five miles from Naga City. Survivors, including the boat’s captain, were receiving medical care. However, they were too psychologically shaken to shed light on what triggered the explosion. One crew member’s condition remained critical.
The wooden-hulled boat, equipped with bamboo outriggers, reportedly encountered engine issues prior to the catastrophic explosion that set the boat ablaze. The crew was compelled to dive into the sea in a desperate bid for survival. A passing tugboat managed to put out the fire, while the Coast Guard initiated a search and rescue operation.
The Coast Guard released video footage and images showing the boat consumed by fire and smoke. In these visuals, rescue personnel are seen scouring the dark waters and carrying injured crew members, who suffered burn injuries, to safety.
The disaster on the F/B King Bryan serves as a grim reminder of the commonality of marine accidents in the Philippines. The country, an archipelago, frequently suffers such incidents due to severe weather, neglect of boat maintenance, overcrowding, and inconsistent observance of safety regulations. One of the most tragic incidents occurred in December 1987 when the overloaded ferry Dona Paz collided with a fuel tanker. The collision resulted in over 4,300 fatalities, marking it as the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster globally.
The cause of the F/B King Bryan’s explosion and subsequent fire is still under investigation by the Coast Guard. The incident underscores the ongoing struggle of the Philippine maritime industry to enhance safety standards and prevent such tragedies from recurring.