A deadly fire aboard a commercial vessel near Basilan province in the Philippines claimed multiple lives, with at least 12 fatalities reported and three of the dead being children. News coverage from ABS-CBN confirmed the figures and described the scale of the disaster as tragic for those aboard.
Initial reports quoted the number of dead at no less than 12, emphasizing that among the victims were three minors. The incident drew swift attention as investigators and responders assessed the scene and the circumstances surrounding the blaze. Eyewitness accounts and early summaries highlighted the severity of the emergency and the urgency of rescue efforts during the crisis.
According to multiple media outlets, the vessel known as Lady Mary Joy carried roughly 200 passengers at the time of the incident. Information available from authorities indicated that the majority of passengers were rescued, while seven people were listed as missing and 14 were hospitalized for injuries or smoke inhalation. The evolving situation prompted ongoing updates as search-and-rescue operations continued and officials sought to determine the cause and response timeline.
In related maritime news, attention had been directed toward another vessel, the Front Altair tanker, which had sustained damage in the Gulf of Oman. Shipowner representatives noted that the crew was composed of Russians, Georgians, and Filipino nationals, underscoring the diverse crews found on modern commercial ships and the importance of coordinated international response in maritime incidents.
Concurrently, reports about a crude oil tanker fire in the Gulf of Oman influenced market behavior, with oil prices rising after a prior five-month low. Market observers noted the potential impact of such incidents on supply expectations and speculated about the broader implications for energy markets during periods of tension and disruption. These developments underscore how maritime incidents can intersect with global trade and energy dynamics, even as authorities work to establish factual details and vessel-specific outcomes.