ANTIQUE — A legislative speedboat owned by the local government of Caluya was destroyed after it caught fire while docked near the Port of Caluya on Tuesday afternoon, December 2.
According to initial reports, the incident occurred around 2:40 p.m. and quickly escalated as the blaze spread to nearby cargo consisting of food and beverages, a motorcycle, and around 60 drums of fuel and 10 drums of gasoline. Authorities said the total value of damaged items is still being determined.
Responding agencies—including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caluya—rushed to the scene. Fire suppression initially proved difficult as the burning speedboat drifted away from the port, moving beyond hose reach. Responders later managed to secure the vessel and pull it closer to the pier, allowing firefighters to contain the blaze.
The fire was declared out at 4:48 p.m. The speedboat was totally damaged, but no casualties were reported. One crew member, however, suffered minor injuries.
Vice Mayor Belfe S. Duran expressed gratitude that no lives were lost, emphasizing the community’s resilience in the face of loss.
“The burning of our LGU boat is a reminder that material things, no matter their value, are temporary. What endures is our unity and our shared commitment to serve,” Duran said. “While this incident saddens us, it also strengthens our determination to rebuild and continue fulfilling our duties.”
Authorities were still conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
The MDRRMO-Caluya reminded the public to remain vigilant and prioritize safety in all situations./PN
