World · Philippines Bureau
Teen girl escapes burning Palawan ferry by squeezing through narrow opening
A 13-year-old passenger survived a fire aboard the MV John Aster by navigating through a tight passage and jumping into the sea. The girl was traveling from Manila when the blaze broke out, forcing evacuation as smoke engulfed the vessel.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY — A 13-year-old girl was among passengers who escaped a fire that erupted aboard the passenger ferry MV John Aster off Palawan, using quick thinking and determination to reach safety. The girl, who was traveling with her uncle from Manila, managed to squeeze through a small opening and locate a door before jumping into the sea as thick black smoke filled the vessel.
The young passenger's account highlights the harrowing moments passengers faced when the fire broke out. Separated momentarily in the chaos, she navigated the smoke-filled corridors of the vessel by finding alternative routes to reach the deck.
The incident prompted evacuation procedures aboard the MV John Aster, with authorities coordinating rescue operations in the waters off Palawan. Details regarding the total number of passengers evacuated and the cause of the fire remain under investigation.
The survival of the girl underscores both the dangers faced by maritime passengers and the importance of quick decision-making during emergencies. Maritime authorities are expected to conduct a full inquiry into the incident to determine circumstances surrounding the blaze.