A sudden inferno broke out aboard a cargo ship near the coast of Castilla last Thursday, which is perched on the southeastern edge of Luzon. This alarming incident triggered a large-scale rescue operation that demonstrated remarkable bravery and cooperation among emergency services.
Emergency Alert: Philippine Coast Guard Responds to Distress Signal
Around 11 o’clock in the morning, the maritime distress signal reached the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The Ken, a freighter, was in flames near Barangay Poblacion, Castilla, just a little way out from the port in Sorgoson Bay. The anchored vessel sent shockwaves through the area, attracting immediate attention and compelling emergency services to spring into action.
Without delay, the PCG synced their efforts with local firefighters, dispatching a patrol vessel for a swift response to the precarious situation.
Naval Intervention: Rapid Hastening to Quench the Fire
In quick succession, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Federico Martir (PC-385) raced to the fiery scene. The maritime professionals skillfully combatted the aggressive flames using a fire hose, focusing their efforts on the deckhouse where the fire was mainly concentrated. The crew’s investigation revealed that the fiery drama staged its first act in the ship’s mess area.
The scenes captured on video were startling, showcasing the fire’s rampant nature as it ripped through the accommodation block, shooting up ferociously to the wheelhouse.
Quenching the Blaze: Firefighters Triumph Over the Ferocious Fire
Finally, local firefighting teams managed to snuff out the relentless fire at roughly 1500 hours. The smoke cleared to reveal a ship charred but extinguished, bringing with it a collection of sighs of relief from all rescue teams involved.
Remarkably, amidst the chaotic scene, no harm befell the ship’s crew. Reports confirmed no injuries among the eight crewmembers, who escaped unscathed. Additionally, the environment seemed to have been spared as well; no instances of pollution related to this unfortunate event were reported.
Clearly, this dramatic event sent ripples through the maritime industry, emphasizing the ever-present threats sea dealings often mask. However, it also highlights the unwavering spirit of emergency services, proving that timely intervention and teamwork can save both lives and property from a ferocious and unexpected sea blaze.
