Boat explosion and fire at sea kills 6 Filipino fishermen as 6 others are rescued

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — At least six crewmembers of a fishing boat died while six others were rescued when an explosion and a fire hit the vessel at sea off a central Philippine province. Coast guard officials said Thursday surviving crewmembers, including the skipper of F/B King Bryan were either still being treated at a hospital or were too traumatized to tell investigators what caused the explosion and fire onboard the vessel Wednesday night almost 2 miles off Naga city in Cebu province. Sea accidents are common in the Philippines because of frequent storms, poorly maintained boats, overcrowding and spotty enforcement of safety regulations.