MANILA (2nd UPDATE) — A fire engulfed a passenger ferry in the waters off Batangas province on Friday, the Philippine Ports Authority said. 

The MV Asia Philippines-Cebu of Starlite Shipping was reportedly carrying passengers and crew members when the blaze ripped through the vessel around 5:30 p.m., according to PPA-Batangas. 

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, a total of 82 were onboard the watercraft. More than 15 vehicles were also aboard, it said.

The fire struck as the ferry from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro neared the Batangas Port, the PPA said.

Passengers jumped into the sea as thick black smoke billowed from the vessel during the incident, a video shared to ABS-CBN News showed. 

Rescue operations by the Philippine Coast Guard are ongoing as of posting, said PCG-Batangas station commander Capt. Vic Acosta.

At least 73 people have been rescued, one of whom was brought to the hospital, the PCG said.

The cause of the fire was not immediately clear. 

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, is plagued by poor sea transport, with its badly regulated boats prone to overcrowding and accidents.

In May, 7 people were killed when a fire ripped through a ferry carrying 134 passengers and crew off Quezon.

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