ZAMBOANGA CITY — A jungkung (traditional boat) arriving from Omar, Sulu, caught fire while approaching the finger wharf at Taha Wharf in Baliwasan Seaside, Barangay Baliwasan, on Tuesday afternoon, September 29, 2026, leaving its captain injured.
Initial reports said the vessel was preparing to dock when the fire broke out, rapidly engulfing the boat and prompting concern as it approached the wharf. The jungkung reportedly sank before the fire could completely consume it, resulting in the loss of the vessel.
The boat’s captain sustained burns during the incident. However, authorities have yet to release complete details regarding the extent of the injuries, the circumstances surrounding the captain’s condition, or whether other people aboard the vessel were affected.
The incident occurred as the jungkung was making its way into the docking area after traveling from Omar, Sulu. The circumstances surrounding the fire, including what triggered the blaze and how quickly it spread, remain under investigation.
The vessel’s sinking adds to the immediate consequences of the incident, although the extent of the damage and any possible losses involving cargo or other property have yet to be established.
Authorities are expected to determine the cause of the fire and establish the full circumstances of the incident, including the number of people aboard and the response to the emergency.
As of the initial reports, no further details were available regarding the captain’s treatment or the recovery of the vessel.