Coast Guard widens hunt for survivors of Palawan ferry disaster

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has broadened its search-and-rescue operations to include coastal communities throughout Mindoro in the hunt for survivors of the fire that engulfed the passenger ferry MV June Aster off Coron, Palawan.

The Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog announced the expanded operation on Sunday, coordinating with local disaster risk reduction and management offices across the region. The move reflects efforts to cover a wider geographical area as rescue teams continue to respond to the maritime incident.

The PCG has deployed multiple vessels and personnel to scour affected waters and coastal areas. As the search continues, authorities are working to establish the exact number of passengers and crew aboard the vessel at the time of the incident and to determine the cause of the fire.

This incident comes as maritime safety remains a critical concern in Philippine waters, where passenger ferries serve as vital transportation links between islands. The government emphasizes the importance of strict safety protocols aboard all commercial vessels operating in Philippine seas.