The 64 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Lite Ferry 28 caught fire just outside of Taloot, Cebu, Philippines. The Lite Ferry 28 had departed from Tagbilaran, Bohol bound for Taloot, Cebu with 92 passengers and 29 crew.  Just 300 meters off Taloot, a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room.  The crew was unable to contain the blaze and the fire continued to spread through the ferry’s superstructure.  Dense black smoke could be spotted along the shoreline as the stern of the Lite Ferry 28 engulfed in flames. 

The cargo vessel LCT Miami left the docks at Taloot and reached the disabled Lite Ferry 28. The LCT Miami was able to transfer all the passengers and crew safely off the Lite Ferry 28 before returning back to Taloot.  The Philippine Coast Guard also arrived on scene a short time later and assisted in extinguishing the fire.  The Lite Ferry 28 was later taken under tow to Taloot.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.