World · Philippines Bureau
Two passengers struck from missing list in Palawan ferry disaster
Two individuals listed on the manifest of MV June Aster did not board the vessel before it caught fire en route to Coron, Philippine Coast Guard officials confirmed Friday. The discovery reduces the number of those unaccounted for in the maritime incident.
LSN Philippines ·
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — Two people whose names appeared on the passenger manifest of MV June Aster have been removed from the missing persons list after authorities confirmed they never boarded the ferry, according to Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Noemi Cayabyab.
The MV June Aster caught fire Wednesday while traveling toward Coron town in Palawan province. The discovery that the two individuals were not actually aboard provides some clarity to rescue operations that have been underway since the incident occurred.
Commodore Cayabyab announced the development Friday, noting that verification procedures had determined the two people did not proceed with their planned voyage. The confirmation process has been crucial in establishing an accurate accounting of those aboard the vessel at the time of the fire.
The Philippine Coast Guard continues to manage rescue and recovery efforts related to the maritime incident. Further updates on the status of the operation and passenger accounting are expected as the investigation progresses.