The crew of a ropax ferry operated by Cokaliong Shipping Lines was forced to abandon ship on Thursday night after it caught fire while on a voyage from Cebu to Leyte.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the 1,200-gt Filipinas Dinagat (built 1972) went up in flames while off Catmon Town in northern Cebu.

The vessel, which is licensed to carry 460 passengers, was on a cargo voyage with only crew on board.