World · Philippines Bureau
Passenger ferry catches fire off Coron, Palawan with over 100 aboard
The MV June Aster erupted in flames Wednesday evening near Coron, prompting immediate response from the Philippine Coast Guard. More than 100 passengers and crew members were on the vessel when the incident occurred.
LSN Philippines ·
The Philippine Coast Guard responded to a fire aboard the passenger ferry MV June Aster on Wednesday evening, located approximately 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Coron, Palawan. The Coast Guard District – Palawan received initial reports of the incident at 6:45 p.m. and immediately dispatched rescue assets to the scene.
The vessel was carrying more than 100 passengers and crew members at the time of the fire. Details regarding the cause of the blaze and the extent of damage to the ship remain under investigation by maritime authorities. The Coast Guard's rapid response protocols were activated to ensure the safety of all persons aboard.
This incident marks another maritime safety concern in Philippine waters, where ferries and inter-island vessels are critical transportation links for the country's archipelago. The outcome of the ongoing investigation may prompt further reviews of vessel safety standards and emergency procedures across the regional shipping industry.