More Than 80 People Rescued From Philippine Ferry Fire

More Than 80 People Rescued From Philippine Ferry Fire
Smoke rises from the M/V Asia Philippines, an inter-island cargo and passenger vessel, as it caught fire while approaching Batangas port, southern Philippines, on Aug. 26, 2022. Philippine Coast Guard via AP
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MANILA, Philippines—Philippine coast guard personnel and volunteers have rescued more than 80 passengers and crew of an inter-island ferry that caught fire as it approached a port south of Manila, prompting many to jump into the water as flames spread fast in windy weather, officials said Saturday.

Only two passengers are unaccounted for and authorities are checking if the two are missing or had been rescued but immediately went home without notifying officials who led the search efforts Friday, the coast guard said. The M/V Asia Philippines was listed as carrying 49 passengers and 38 crewmembers.