The Philippine Fire Department (BFP) has completed its preliminary investigation into the deadly fire on the ferry John Aster that occurred in September off the coast of Palawan, claiming 77 lives. The agency stated that instability in the cargo due to deficiencies in the loading arrangement led to a chemical cargo leak and the outbreak of a severe fire.
Incident Details
According to the BFP report, the ferry John Aster was delayed four days before its departure and during this time received additional cargo. The new cargo included asphalt blocks and drums of calcium hypochlorite, which is an active chemical agent for water purification. This substance can ignite upon contact with organic materials and heat sources, and when heated, it releases oxygen, which intensifies the fire.
Cause of High Casualties
The hypochlorite cargo and asphalt blocks were located at the rear of the cargo deck, next to the engine room. According to Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tium, BFP Superintendent, this cargo may have been exposed to high heat from the engine room. On the evening of September 9, while the ship was navigating the Coron Strait, it encountered adverse weather conditions. The hypochlorite cargo shifted, mixed with the asphalt, ignited, and released large amounts of toxic smoke, which likely contributed to the high casualty rate.
Some victims may have suffocated before realizing the heat. The incident occurred at 18:30, and darkness had fallen, likely causing passengers to be asleep, which increased the fatalities.
Given the existing evidence and the severity of the incident, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) announced a half-hour halt of operations for several other vessels in the Atienza Interisland Ferry fleet, the operator of the ferry John Aster. This order was issued following thorough inspections of the Atienza fleet, which revealed further deficiencies in safety and labor regulations.
The vessels affected by this order include Star San Carlos, September Tulips, December Ponsitia, October Lavender, May Lilies, and November Catlia, all currently located in the Manila area. The order emphasizes that Atienza must continue to pay the salaries and benefits of employees during this period.
