All 120 people onboard a ferry that caught fire at sea in central Philippines have been rescued.

The M/V Esperanza Star, which was carrying 65 passengers and 55 officers and crew members, caught fire while sailing from Siquijor island in the south to nearby Bohol island, the coast guard said on Sunday.

Coast guard firefighters onboard another vessel used a water canon to battle the fire, a spokesperson said.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Two coast guard vessels involved in firefighting and rescue operations were still in waters in the vicinity of the fire.

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The whereabouts and conditions of the rescued passengers and crew members were not disclosed.

There has been fears for all aboard the vessel.

Photos and video released by the coast guard show flames and black smoke billowing from two decks at one end of the ferry as coast guard personnel onboard another vessel used a water cannon to try to put out the fire.

A fishing boat and one other vessel could be seen nearby.

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7600 islands, has a poor record for maritime safety, with vessels often overcrowded and many ageing ships in use.

Sea accidents are common in the Philippine archipelago because of frequent storms, badly maintained vessels, overcrowding and spotty enforcement of safety regulations, especially in remote provinces.

In March, a ferry carrying about 250 people also caught fire in southern Philippines, leading to the deaths more than two dozen people including a six-month old baby.

-Reuters