Dailystar
A high-speed ferry carrying 134 passengers in the Philippines went up in flames leaving at least seven people dead.
The terrifying event unfolded as the boat reached the port of Real in Quezon province, around 37 miles from the capital Manila.
It made a distress call at around 6.30am after leaving Polillo Island at 5am local time today (Monday, May 23).
Tens of passengers and crew were forced to jump into the water while others luckily managed to be rescued by vessels in the area, according to coast guard officials.
Two men and five women sadly died, a statement said.
It is understood that at least seven people remain missing, Sky News reported.
A further 23 passengers suffered injuries and had to be rushed to hospital after the fire ignited in the engine room of the ferry.
The coastguard has released images of the vessel terrifyingly engulfed in huge flames.
It was not immediately clear what caused the fire but it is known that the Philippines has a poor past for upholding maritime safety.
