The Philippine Navy ship that caught fire after picking up donated personal protective equipment in India will take three weeks to repair, officials said on Sunday. Lt. Cdr. Maria Christina Roxas, the Navy’s spokesman, said BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) returned to the port of Cochin, India “unassisted” as its convoy ship, the BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), proceeded home carrying the donated personal protective equipment and stranded Filipino tourists from the South Asian country. Roxas said BRP Ramon Alcaraz would undergo damage assessment and systems evaluation after catching fire on Friday hours after departing from Cochin. “Based on initial assessment, one of its main engines must undergo repair to ensure the sea worthiness of the ship and safety of its crew,” Roxas said in a statement. She added that the United States’ Naval Sea Systems Command would help repair the vessel. Two sailors were injured in the fire, and both are in stable condition.
