PCG launches search for fisherman after vessel catches fire off Batangas

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is conducting an active search operation for a fisherman reported missing after his vessel caught fire in waters off Calatagan, Batangas on Sunday. The abandoned fishing boat, already fully engulfed in flames, was discovered approximately 500 meters southwest of the Cafe Santiago area by local fishermen who immediately reported the incident to authorities.

Rescue teams responded swiftly to the scene upon receiving the report. The discovery of the unoccupied burning vessel has raised concerns for the safety of the vessel's operator, prompting the PCG to expand its search efforts in the surrounding waters.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The PCG has urged any individuals with information regarding the missing fisherman or the incident to come forward and contact the nearest coast guard station. Search operations are expected to continue in the coming days as authorities work to locate the missing crew member and determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Incidents involving fishing vessels in Philippine waters have occasionally resulted in emergencies at sea, underscoring the importance of maritime safety protocols and quick emergency response systems in the region.