As per reports, the Passenger and RORO ferry, Trans-Asia 1, caught fire in Lapu Lapu City waters, Philippines, at 01:42 local time on 16th July 2022. Around 8 maintenance crew and a guard were on board the vessel. A fire accident on the same vessel was reported in 2019 as well, after which it became inoperable.
The vessel was engulfed in flames; however, all crew members were safely evacuated, and two were treated for respiratory issues as they inhaled excessive smoke. The fire was extinguished in four hours, per the officials.
The hapless ship was already out of service in 2019; however, it was beached by a typhoon. Constructed in 1980 and operated by Trans Asia Shipping Lines, the vessel is currently undergoing repairs and will become operable again, per the company’s official statement issued soon after the accident.
