A major search-and-rescue operation is under way off Palawan in the Philippines after a passenger ferry caught fire, killing at least five people.
More than 80 passengers and crew members remained unaccounted for in the initial response, while the coast guard reported that 43 people had been rescued.
The vessel’s manifest listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Two Chilean nationals were among those brought to safety.
Thick smoke, intense heat and the danger of explosions prevented rescuers from safely entering parts of the ferry as it drifted with currents and wind.
The ship had departed from Manila’s Baseco area and was travelling toward Coron, a popular destination in the western Philippines.
Authorities are investigating the cause. The disaster is likely to renew scrutiny of ferry maintenance, passenger accounting and maritime-safety enforcement across the archipelago.
Source
Reuters
Featured photo: Bernd Dittrich/Unsplash. Illustrative image.
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
