World · Philippines Bureau
Coast Guard expands search for eight missing from MV June Aster fire
The Philippine Coast Guard has launched an aerial survey over waters off Palawan as it continues search operations for eight passengers still missing two weeks after a fire destroyed the vessel MV June Aster near Coron.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted an aerial reconnaissance mission Tuesday over the waters off Palawan, extending coverage to Bantac Island, in the ongoing search for eight people unaccounted for following a fire aboard the passenger vessel MV June Aster.
The incident occurred approximately two weeks prior off Coron town. The fire completely destroyed the vessel, prompting immediate search and rescue operations by the coast guard that have continued without interruption since the disaster.
According to Commodore Noemie, who is overseeing response efforts, the aerial survey represents an expanded search strategy as authorities work to locate the missing passengers. The operation encompasses a broad maritime zone in the Palawan region.
The coast guard has maintained active search operations involving multiple assets and personnel. Officials have not yet disclosed the identities of those missing or provided additional details regarding the circumstances of the fire and the vessel's sinking.
Search and response efforts remain ongoing as the coast guard intensifies its efforts to account for all those aboard the MV June Aster at the time of the incident.