The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is continuing its search and rescue (SAR) operations after the M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 reported fire onboard while passing through the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island on March 29th.
According to the survivors, the fire started in the air-conditioned cabin. As of 5AM today, PCG District BARMM Commander, CG Commodore Rejard Marfe, reported the following updates:
- There were 216 survivors, while 29 people lost their lives during the incident.
- Out of the 29 casualties, eleven have been identified (drowned at sea), while eighteen (burned on board the vessel) still need DNA testing.
- Seven people remain missing.
- A total of 252 individuals were affected during the fire — with 205 passengers, 35 crew members, eight Army personnel, and four PCG personnel.
Meanwhile, the Marine Environmental Protection Unit-BARMM conducted an oil spill assessment and yielded a negative result. BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401), BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411), and PCG-manned BFAR vessel, MCS 3007, continue SAR operations in the vicinity waters off Baluk-Baluk Island.
PANOORIN: Video ng nasusunog na M/V LADY MARY JOY 3 sa katubigan ng Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan#DOTrPH 🇵🇭#CoastGuardPH #MaritimeSectorWorks pic.twitter.com/tfpmEZbb16
— Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) March 30, 2023
