A cargo ship, MV Castphill XV, caught fire early Sunday morning while navigating near Manila Bay, prompting a swift response from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). All twelve crew members were successfully rescued with only minor injuries reported.
MV Castphill XV caught fire around 2:00 AM on March 30, 2025.
The Philippine Coast Guard rescued all twelve crew members.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, with speculation about flammable cargo.
The vessel was reportedly linked to a Manila-based fuel distribution company.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred in the waters southwest of Manila, near Patungan, Maragondon, Cavite. The fire broke out around 2:00 AM, and the PCG was alerted shortly thereafter. The patrol vessel BRP Boracay arrived on the scene and began rescue operations at approximately 4:30 AM.
Seven crew members, including the captain, were rescued from the water and brought to Pier 15 in South Harbor, Manila, where they received medical attention. Fortunately, all had only minor injuries.
Rescue Operations
The rescue efforts were commendable, with the PCG demonstrating their commitment to maritime safety. The timeline of the rescue operations is as follows:
2:00 AM – Fire breaks out on MV Castphill XV.
4:27 AM – Seven crew members rescued by BRP Boracay.
7:35 AM – Remaining five crew members rescued by PCG personnel from Maragondon.
All rescued crew members were taken to Maragondon for further medical assessment.
Investigation Underway
The PCG has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest that the vessel may have been carrying flammable cargo, as evidenced by the intense flames and thick smoke observed emanating from the foredeck. The MV Castphill XV was reportedly loaded with general merchandise, including hardware materials, sacks of rice, cement, and fuel stored in metal containers.
Vessel Background
The MV Castphill XV is classified as a traditional stick-boom coaster. Although it is not a tanker, it is linked to Mega Oil, a fuel distribution company based in Manila. The vessel does not appear in international maritime databases, which is common for coastal vessels operating in domestic trades in Southeast Asia. Recent inspections revealed signs of aging, including dented plating around the stern.
Commitment to Maritime Safety
The Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Vince Dizon, has reassured the public that maritime safety remains a top priority for all agencies under his department, particularly the PCG. The swift response to this incident highlights the importance of preparedness and effective emergency response in maritime operations.
As investigations continue, the PCG remains focused on ensuring the safety of maritime operations and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Sources
Fire aboard vessel forces crew to abandon ship in the Philippines, safety4sea.
Twelve Rescued From Burning Cargo Ship in Manila Bay, The Maritime Executive.
Cargo Ship Catches Fire In Manila Bay Forcing Crew To Abandon Vessel, Marine Insight.
Twelve Rescued From Burning Cargo Ship in Manila Bay, Slipcase.
