A body has been recovered near a coastal cargoship that suffered a devastating explosion and fire in the Philippines.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Commodore Armand Balilo said the body was pulled from the water at Delpan Wharf in Manila Bay.

A vessel named as Titan-8 capsized and sank following the incident on 12 June.

Seafarers jumped into the Pasig River and the PCG said crew member Juan Edmund Palanca was reported as missing.

“We are still confirming if the body was that of the missing crew member of the ship,” Balilo said.

An autopsy was due to be carried out, the PCG added.

Water samples have been taken from the site to determine if any fuel has leaked. Six spill booms have been placed around the wreck as a precaution.

Investigation begins

The PCG sent in its maritime casualty investigation unit to the scene to identify the cargo on board and determine the exact cause of the fire.

Reports said the Titan-8 caught fire while refuelling. The vessel had been due to head to Palawan.

At least 40 houses, mostly shanties, near Delpan Bridge were destroyed by the fire after drums of gasoline exploded, the PCG said.

A series of blasts rocked the vessel in the morning, injuring crew members and seafarers on another vessel docked at the wharf, the PCG added.

Smouldering debris and drums were seen floating in the river.