Probe underway after Negros Oriental vessel fire

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The capsizing of a fishing vessel following a fire at Sitio Lintub, Barangay Nagbo-alao, Basay, Negros Oriental last Wednesday is currently under investigation by authorities.

Police Lieutenant Stephen Polinar, the public information officer for the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (Norppo), reported that 23 individuals, including the boat captain, were rescued before noon.

“Assistance was requested from the police by either one of the passengers or a bystander,” Polinar explained. In response, the police coordinated with the Maritime Authority and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

According to Polinar, the passengers were en route to a fishing venture when the incident occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. Although no injuries were reported, the individuals were taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.

“We are currently awaiting the BFP’s investigation results to ascertain the fire’s cause,” Polinar mentioned, noting that the investigation might be hampered as the fire debris had been swept out to sea.

Polinar also revealed that the passengers were “uncooperative” with the authorities, which complicates the fact-finding process of the incident.

“As of now, we’re still piecing together what exactly transpired,” he concluded.