At least 31 persons died and 230 others were rescued after a fire engulfed the ferry M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan province late Wednesday night, authorities said yesterday. The 33-year-old vessel, registered as a roll-on/roll-off or Ro-Ro type, was travelling from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu when the fire started in the passenger area and quickly spread to the kitchen area, prompting passengers to jump overboard, said Nixon Alonzo, Basilan’s disaster risk reduction officer. Rescuers, including the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and several fishermen, saved 195 passengers and 35 crewmembers as the blaze ripped through the ferry. Seven are still reported missing.

Pareño, R. (2023, March 31). At least 31 killed in Basilan ferry fire. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 6.