MV Doña Paz Ferry Disaster 1987

In 1987, the Filipino passenger ferry MV Doña Paz collided with an oil tanker in the Tablas Strait near the Philippines, creating the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster in history. The ferry carried over 4,000 people, triple its maximum capacity, and most of the crew were reportedly drinking, partying, or watching TV when the collision occurred.

The tanker's spilled oil ignited, setting both the ferry and the surrounding seawater ablaze. Chaos reigned as the crew failed to organize passengers, and life jacket lockers were reportedly locked. In the inferno that followed, 4,386 people died, nearly three times the casualties of the Titanic. Only 24 survivors, many burned and badly injured, managed to escape by diving into the flaming water.

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