At least five people have died and 86 remain missing after a passenger ferry caught fire off the coast of Palawan in the Philippines, triggering a major search-and-rescue operation.
The MV June Aster, carrying 134 people, was travelling from Manila to the popular tourist destination of Coron when flames broke out on Wednesday evening. Forty-three people have so far been rescued, while five fatalities have been confirmed. The figures remain subject to change as the search continues.
Fire erupted as ferry approached Coron
The ferry had departed from Baseco in Manila and was heading towards Coron, a well-known destination in Palawan famous for its beaches, diving and island-hopping.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the fire broke out at around 6:45 p.m. local time as the vessel was approaching its destination. The ferry was about 2.2 kilometres offshore when the emergency unfolded.
Video released by the Coast Guard showed the vessel engulfed in flames, with thick smoke rising from the stricken ship as rescuers worked through the night.
A first responder described the disaster as “really heartbreaking”, saying they had never witnessed anything like it in Coron.
Dozens still missing as rescue operation continues
The ferry’s manifest listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members, meaning 134 people were aboard when the fire started.
Rescuers have managed to bring 43 people to safety, while five people have been confirmed dead. Based on those figures, 86 people remain unaccounted for. Authorities have stressed that the numbers could change as the search progresses.
The rescue operation has involved Philippine Coast Guard vessels, military assets, government boats, private volunteers and local fishermen. Authorities have also coordinated with coastal communities in case survivors reach shore.
Smoke, heat and strong currents hamper search
The operation has been complicated by difficult conditions at sea.
Rescuers have faced thick smoke, extreme heat and concerns about possible explosions, making it dangerous to enter the burned vessel. Strong currents and weather conditions have also made it harder to locate people who may have been swept away from the ferry.
The damaged vessel has drifted from its original position, adding another challenge for search teams. Authorities have been using drift-modelling tools to estimate where missing passengers may have been carried by the currents.
Cause of the blaze remains under investigation
The cause of the fire has not yet been established.
One survivor reportedly suggested that the blaze may have started in the cargo hold, but officials have not confirmed the cause. The Philippine Coast Guard is working with the shipping company and maritime authorities as the investigation continues.
The disaster has once again raised concerns about maritime safety in the Philippines, where ferries are an essential means of transport across the country’s thousands of islands.
Previous maritime disasters in the country have been linked to factors including overcrowding, poor vessel maintenance, severe weather and weaknesses in the enforcement of safety regulations.
Families wait for news
As rescue teams continue searching the waters around Palawan, families and friends of those aboard the MV June Aster are waiting for information about their loved ones.
Authorities have urged patience as the search continues, while rescue crews remain focused on finding survivors and accounting for everyone listed on the ferry’s manifest.
For now, the full scale of the tragedy remains unclear. But with dozens of people still missing, the search off Coron has become an urgent race against time.
Sources
- Reuters — Search expands after Philippine ferry fire kills five and leaves dozens missing
- Associated Press — Fire on passenger ferry in Philippines leaves dozens missing and at least 5 dead
- AFP — Philippine ferry fire kills 5, dozens missing
- Channel NewsAsia — Philippine ferry fire kills 5, 87 missing
- Philstar — 5 reported dead, 42 rescued after ferry fire off Palawan
