SAN ANDRES, QUEZON — A total of 119 people were safely evacuated after a passenger-cargo vessel caught fire about 1 nautical mile southeast of San Andres on Aug. 27.

The fire on MV Monreal (618.57 GT / 162.95 NT), owned by Kho Shipping Lines, was caused by an electrical short circuit in a crew cabin. The vessel was traveling from Port of Aroroy, Masbate, to Port of San Andres, Quezon, carrying 66 passengers, 22 crew members including the Master, 31 cadets, and 16 rolling cargoes.

The blaze was quickly contained, and power was later restored by a licensed electrician onboard.

Upon receiving the report, the Coast Guard Maritime Police (CGMP) San Andres, together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection, local police, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), prepared for possible search and rescue operations.

The vessel safely docked at San Andres Port at 10:49 p.m., where authorities assisted in the disembarkation. MDRRMO personnel conducted medical checks and confirmed that all passengers and crew were in good condition.

The PCG has detained the vessel, instructed the Master to submit a Marine Protest, and collected sworn statements from passengers and crew. MARINA Region IV-A was notified for the suspension of the vessel’s Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, and the Maritime Safety Services Unit–Southern Tagalog’s Marine Casualty Investigation and Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection Team has been directed to conduct a formal investigation.