A fast craft vessel carrying 126 passengers and eight crew members went ablaze while sailing at sea in Real, Quezon on Monday morning, May 23, killing at least seven individuals, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported. Commodore Armando Balilo, PCG spokesperson, said fast craft vessel MV Mercraft 2 caught fire around 6:30 a.m. while travelling at the vicinity waters off Baluti Island in Brgy. Cawayan – approximately 1,000 yards from the port of Real. MV Mercraft 2 left Polilio Island around 5 a.m. en route to Real town. The vessel is owned and operated by one Erwel Merania who is based in Batangas.

Sadongdong, M. A. (2022, May 24). 7 die, 127 rescued as ferry burns at sea. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 6.