Manila: On Sunday, a Philippine ferry carrying 120 passengers and crew caught fire at sea. A coast guard vessel was sent to the scene to rescue those on board and attempt to put out the fire, according to coast guard officials.

The M/V Esperanza Star caught fire at dawn while sailing from the central Philippine province of Siquijor to the province of Bohol, according to the coast guard. It was not immediately clear whether there were casualties or how many people had been rescued from the ferry.

Images and video from the coast guard's press conference show flames and black smoke erupting from two decks at one end of the ferry as crew members aboard another ship used a water cannon to douse the flames. There was one other boat and a fishing boat nearby.

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According to the images and video the coast guard released, none of the 65 passengers or the 55 crew members could be seen inside the burning ferry.

Due to frequent storms, poorly maintained ships, overcrowding, and inconsistent enforcement of safety regulations, particularly in remote provinces, sea accidents are common in the Philippine archipelago.

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At least 31 passengers and crew members died in a ferry fire that broke out and raged overnight in March off the southern island province of Basilan, according to the coast guard. The ferry was carrying about 250 people.

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The world's worst maritime disaster to occur during a time of peace occurred in December 1987 when the ferry Dona Paz sank after colliding with a fuel tanker. More than 4,300 people perished.