The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responds to a fire incident involving MV ASIA PHILIPPINES (passenger / RoRo vessel) in the vicinity waters one nautical mile off Batangas Anchorage Area at around 05:59 p.m. today, 26 August 2022.

The distressed vessel departed from Calapan Port at around 03:00 p.m. going to Batangas Port. The expected time of arrival was 05:30 p.m.

Based on the initial investigation, MV ASIA PHILIPPINES had 48 passengers and 34 crew members --- a total of 82 individuals --- and 16 rolling cargoes onboard.

The authorized passenger capacity of the said vessel is 402.

The PCG dispatched rescue personnel and two floating assets to conduct search and rescue (SAR) operations.

A total of 73 individuals were rescued as of 07:30 p.m.

One of the 73 rescued individuals, a 44-year-old female, was brought to the nearest hospital for medical attention due to an injury.

SAR and firefighting operations are ongoing.