Three Dead in Philippine Inter-Island Ferry Fire

The M/V Island Fastcraft 1, an inter-island ferry, was heading towards Cebu province when it caught fire in the midst of stormy weather in the central Philippines.

The ferry had at least 75 people on board when the fire took place. Several passengers were prompted to jump into the churning waters overboard where three of them drowned, including a crew member. One person was reported missing. The rest were rescued by a passing ship.

It is still unclear as to what started the fire, but there was a report of an electrical problem in the engine room prior to the start of the fire. The M/V Island Fastcraft 1 eventually sank about two hours after catching fire. No formal statement has been given as of yet regarding this incident.