A CARGO vessel caught fire off Batangas early yesterday morning but no one was reported killed or injured, the Philippine Coast Guard reported.
The PCG said the fire broke out at around 4:53 a.m. at the Philippine-flagged M/V Moreta Venture some 1.2 nautical miles southwest off Marikaban island.
The PCG said one of its ships, the BRP Boracay based in Batangas City, and a helicopter responded to the scene to extend assistance after the PCG received a distress call from the burning ship.
“Upon arrival at the incident area, PCG personnel ensured that all officers and crew onboard were safe and accounted for before combating fire onboard,” the PCG said in a statement, without saying the number of crew members aboard.
A report from the PCG District-Southern Tagalog said the fire was put out at around 8 a.m. with no casualties.
The PCG said the 19-year-old MV Moreta Venture, owned by the Moreta Shipping Lines, is dead in the water and drifting. It is set to be towed to the nearest port.