INCIDENT REPORT: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues its search and rescue / retrieval (SAR) operations after M/V LADY MARY JOY 3 reported FIRE ONBOARD while traversing the vicinity waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.

The incident occurred around 10:40PM on 29 March 2023.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) declared "fire out" around 07:30AM on 30 March 2023.

According to the survivors, the fire started in the air-conditioned cabin.

M/V LADY MARY JOY 3, a passenger-cargo vessel of Aleson Shipping Lines, departed Zamboanga City en route to Jolo, Sulu.

As of 5AM today, 31 March 2023, PCG District BARMM Commander, CG Commodore Rejard Marfe, reported the following updates:

There were 216 survivors, while 29 people lost their lives during the incident.

Out of the 29 casualties — 11 have been identified (drowned at sea), while 18 (burned on board the vessel) still need DNA testing.

Seven people remain missing.

A total of 252 individuals were affected during the fire onboard M/V LADY MARY JOY 3 — with 205 passengers, 35 crew members, eight Army personnel, and four PCG personnel.

Meanwhile, the Marine Environmental Protection Unit-BARMM conducted an oil spill assessment and yielded a negative result.

BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401), BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411), and PCG-manned BFAR vessel, MCS 3007, continue SAR operations in the vicinity waters off Baluk-Baluk Island.

[Progress report to follow]