This is the dramatic moment passengers escaped a burning ferry in the middle of the sea.

Footage shows the families rushing to wear orange life vests as fire and smoke spread throughout the cabins of MV Esperance Star off the coast of Bohol province, the Philippines, on June 18.

The flames had engulfed the lower levels of the vessel and was only about 25ft away from them when help arrived.

A total of 120 passengers and crew members were rescued by the Coast Guard, who boarded boats away from the burning ship.

Passenger Joel Zambas said: ‘It was one of the scariest moments of my life. The fire had reached our cabins, and we had nowhere to go until we were rescued.'

The Philippines Coast Guard said the fire originated from the engine room of the vessel.

No injuries were reported and the ferry company promised to give 5,000 PHP (71.36) compensation to every family onboard when the fire happened.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has suspended the ship's safety certificate and will not be allowed to sail. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.

This is the dramatic moment passengers escaped a burning ferry in the middle of the sea.

Footage shows the families rushing to wear orange life vests as fire and smoke spread throughout the cabins of MV Esperance Star off the coast of Bohol province, the Philippines, on June 18.

The flames had engulfed the lower levels of the vessel and was only about 25ft away from them when help arrived.

A total of 120 passengers and crew members were rescued by the Coast Guard, who boarded boats away from the burning ship.

Passenger Joel Zambas said: ‘It was one of the scariest moments of my life. The fire had reached our cabins, and we had nowhere to go until we were rescued.'

The Philippines Coast Guard said the fire originated from the engine room of the vessel.

No injuries were reported and the ferry company promised to give 5,000 PHP (71.36) compensation to every family onboard when the fire happened.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has suspended the ship's safety certificate and will not be allowed to sail. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.