5 Filipino seafarers missing as ship catches fire in Atlantic Ocean

MANILA, Philippines — Five Filipino seafarers went missing on Monday after a Taiwanese ship caught fire off the British territory of Falkland Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The DFA said it remains hopeful that the Filipino seafarers, whose identities have yet to be released, would still be found.

The five were among the 69 crew members of Jung Rong, a Taiwanese registered vessel, which caught fire off Falkland Islands on Feb. 11.

Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio Lagdameo is trying to get more information about the incident, according to the DFA.

It said the Philippine embassy is coordinating with concerned authorities and the manning agency of the Filipino seafarers.

The Royal Falkland Islands police said 64 crew members of the vessel have been evacuated to another ship.

The DFA said British vessels were deployed to provide support in searching for the missing crew.