LUUK, Sulu — Three individuals were rescued after a small motorized banca caught fire off the waters of Barangay Tulayan in Luuk, Sulu, on Saturday, June 27, following an explosion believed to have occurred during refueling while the vessel’s engine was still running.
Personnel from the Coast Guard Station Eastern Sulu immediately launched a search and rescue operation after receiving reports of the maritime emergency. Responding swiftly, the rescue team successfully located the burning vessel and safely evacuated all three passengers on board.
Authorities confirmed that the rescued individuals were brought to the Coast Guard station for assessment and were found to be in good physical condition. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
Following the rescue, Coast Guard personnel recovered the heavily damaged motorized banca and secured it along the shoreline of Barangay Tandu Batu in Luuk to prevent it from becoming a navigational hazard.
Initial findings from the investigation indicate that the fire was triggered by an explosion while the vessel was being refueled with its engine still running—a dangerous practice that significantly increases the risk of ignition due to fuel vapors.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reminded boat operators and mariners to strictly observe established safety protocols, particularly when handling fuel at sea.
“Refueling should always be carried out only after the engine has been completely turned off to minimize the risk of fire or explosion,” the Coast Guard emphasized, urging all seafarers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety during maritime operations.
The incident serves as another reminder of the importance of adhering to basic maritime safety procedures, especially for operators of small vessels frequently used for fishing and inter-island transport.
The PCG continues to encourage the public to immediately report maritime emergencies to the nearest Coast Guard station to ensure a prompt response and help prevent the loss of lives and property.