World · Philippines Bureau
Ferry fire off Palawan leaves 5 dead, 86 missing
A passenger ferry caught fire near the tourist destination of Coron in Palawan province Wednesday night, resulting in at least five confirmed deaths and dozens still unaccounted for. The Philippine Coast Guard is continuing search and rescue operations following the incident.
LSN Philippines ·
The fire erupted aboard MV June Aster as the vessel approached Coron in Palawan province late Wednesday evening, according to authorities. The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed on Thursday that at least five people have been confirmed dead, while 86 passengers and crew members remain missing. The exact cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.
Searching teams have been mobilized in the waters off Coron as rescue operations continue in the area. The incident has raised fresh concerns about maritime safety in Philippine waters, which see significant passenger traffic year-round, particularly to popular tourist destinations like Coron.
The MV June Aster was carrying passengers bound for Coron, a town known for its pristine diving sites and tourist attractions. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the total number of people aboard the vessel at the time of the incident or the full manifest of passengers and crew members.
The Philippine Coast Guard has appealed for additional support as rescue efforts continue through the night and into the coming days. Investigations into the cause of the fire are expected to begin once initial rescue operations conclude.