The death toll in the passenger's vessel fire incident in Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan rose to 29, Basilan Governor Jim Hataman Salliman said on Thursday, March 30.
Interviewed during DZRH's BreakTime, Salliman said of the total number, 11 individuals died after getting drowned in the sea while 18 others were burned to death.
At least 20 injured individuals were brought to the hospital in Basilan and in Zamboanga, he said.
Meanwhile, data from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Isabela as of 5pm, Thursday, showed that 160 individuals were rescued and there were 29 casualties.
About 36 crew of the M/V Mary Joy 3 were rescued. No individuals were reported missing so far.
"Tuloy-tuloy ang search and rescue operations doon sa laot, sa vicinity na pinangyarihan," the Basilan Governor said.
Salliman said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined by the Coast Guard.
He expressed hope that the shipping vessel will provide compensation for the affected passengers.
The Basilan Governor also said that they are also monitoring the ablaze vessel to ensure that it will not leak any oil.
The M/V Mary Joy 3 plying Jolo, Sulu, caught fire in waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan on Wednesday evening.
