Hundreds trapped on blazing ferry as rescue underway

[rodbarnett]

Rescuers plucked more than 200 people from a passenger ferry ablaze off the coast of the Philippines' capital Manila early today, officials said, but hundreds more were still trapped on board.

There were no immediate reports of any casualties in the blaze on the Superferry 14, carrying almost 900 people, which was on fire at the mouth of Manila Bay off Corregidor island.

Radio reports quoting the Filipino coastguard and navy said about 200 passengers and crew were rescued by a passing freighter, the Fortune Express, while 75 others were taken on board by navy rescuers.

US Marine vessels taking part in joint annual war games at the nearby coastal town of Ternate were helping six Filipino navy and coastguard vessels in the rescue, they said.

<snip>

Navy spokesmen said 717 passengers and 153 crew were on board the ferry, which was en route to Bacolod in the central Philippines.


http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/02/27/1077676927630.html

[phoebe]

1. wonder if the navy hit the wrong target?? ya never know..

n/t

[BiggJawn]

2. Those things are floating tinderboxes.

900 people? What's its Certificate for, maybe 400 or so?

I'm surprised more of those things don't capsize or explode. Somebody probably started a fire in a wastebasket to brew some tea and it got away from them...

[Wonk]

3. 2 dead, 139 still missing

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)said the initial investigation showed the fire was suspected of being sparked by an explosion at the Engine Room.

more...
http://english.eastday.com/epublish/gb/paper1/1192/class000100003/hwz183478.htm