ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — At least 10 people were injured when a speedboat owned by Basilan Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh caught fire at Tres Marias Wharf in Barangay Baliwasan on Wednesday.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that the vessel, bound for Hadji Muhtamad municipality, was preparing for departure when its engine suddenly exploded, triggering a fire beneath the boat.
“Before the vessel could depart, a small explosion occurred under the engine,” said SF03 Garry Fernandez, Chief of the BFP-Zamboanga City Intelligence and Investigation Section.
A total of 20 people, including Mayor Kahing-Nanoh, were on board. All passengers jumped into the sea to escape the flames. While the mayor was unharmed, 10 individuals sustained minor burns and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Barangay personnel and BFP responders acted swiftly, extinguishing the fire and preventing further damage. The estimated cost of the damage is pegged at ₱1 million.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the explosion and assess the full extent of the incident.