Fastcraft catches fire

CEBU, Philippines - Kinswell, a fastcraft undergoing repairs at Pier 3 in Cebu City caught fire yesterday afternoon, destroying the stockroom, the canteen, and part of the accommodation area, including the ceiling and the electrical wirings.

Damage was estimated to be at P1.5 million. No one was hurt.

The fastcraft is owned by Kinswell II Shipping Lines Incorporated.

It was suspected that sparks created by workers welding pieces and parts together in the lower deck flew to chairs in the accommodation area.

The Bureau of Fire Protection Cebu City, led by SFO1 Nilo Daculan, received the alarm at about 4:18 in the afternoon and put the fire under control after 14 minutes.

Daculan said Kinswell plies the Cebu-Tubigon route.

It is under repair for weeks now.

Andy Sarita, chief mate of the vessel, told The FREEMAN that he was in the upper deck when he noticed dark smoke coming out of the lower deck.

He said when welders shouted fire, he used the fire extinguisher but it only worsened the fire.

Four fire trucks from BFP-Cebu City and one from Apas Emergency Response Team responded to the alarm. (FREEMAN)