Five individuals have been confirmed dead and 87 others are currently unaccounted for following a fire that engulfed the M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 ferry off the coast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan province, southern Philippines, early Wednesday, March 27, 2024. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that 151 passengers and crew members were successfully rescued from the burning vessel.

The incident occurred around 1:00 AM local time while the vessel, owned by Aleson Shipping Lines, was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu. Initial reports from survivors and authorities suggest the fire originated in the economy passenger cabin area, rapidly spreading through the vessel. Many passengers reportedly jumped into the sea to escape the intensifying flames, prompting a swift, multi-agency response.

Upon receiving distress calls, the PCG immediately deployed its BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Malamawi (FPB-2403) vessels to the scene, approximately 16 nautical miles (30 kilometers) from Baluk-Baluk Island. A Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, MCS-3009, also joined the search and rescue efforts. Local fishermen in the vicinity played a critical role in the immediate aftermath, assisting in pulling survivors from the water. Rescued individuals were transported to Zamboanga City and Basilan for medical attention and processing.

The burned-out hull of the M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 was later towed to the nearest shoreline for recovery and investigation. PCG District Southwestern Mindanao commander Rear Admiral Eusebio Jimenez confirmed the grim casualty figures, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the search for the missing. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased.

Key details regarding the incident include:

  • Vessel Name: M/V Lady Mary Joy 3
  • Owner: Aleson Shipping Lines
  • Route: Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu
  • Date of Incident: Wednesday, March 27, 2024
  • Time of Incident: Approximately 1:00 AM local time
  • Location: Off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan province
  • Total Individuals On Board: 243 (comprising 205 passengers and 38 crew members)
  • Confirmed Fatalities: 5
  • Missing Individuals: 87
  • Rescued Individuals: 151 (including passengers and crew)
  • Agencies Involved in SAR: Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), local fishermen, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched by maritime authorities. Investigators will examine the vessel's maintenance records, safety protocols, and witness testimonies to determine the origin and contributing factors of the blaze. The Philippines, an archipelago nation heavily reliant on sea travel, has a history of maritime accidents, often attributed to factors such as overcrowding, poor vessel maintenance, and inadequate safety enforcement. The incident underscores persistent challenges in ensuring maritime safety within the region.

Search and rescue operations for the remaining 87 missing individuals are continuing across the affected maritime area. Authorities have advised next of kin to coordinate with the PCG and local disaster management offices for updates and assistance. The ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity on the incident and inform potential measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.