Fatal ferry fire off the coast of Palawan, Philippines

On the night of Wednesday, September 9, 2026, a passenger ferry named June Aster caught fire approximately 2.2 kilometers off the coast of Coron, a popular tourist destination in the Palawan province of the Philippines. The vessel, which was carrying 134 passengers and crew members at the time of the incident, became engulfed in flames, prompting an immediate rescue response.

Initial reports from the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed five fatalities and dozens of people missing shortly after the disaster. However, on September 11, authorities announced that rescuers had successfully extinguished the fire and entered the vessel, recovering 30 additional bodies. This updated the total death toll to 35. Coast Guard Captain Noemi Kagabiap noted that 42 people were initially rescued from the burning ship, though intense heat and thick smoke delayed recovery efforts for nearly two days.

Maritime accidents are relatively common in the Philippines, an archipelago where aging ferries often fail to adhere to strict safety standards. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding maritime safety in the region. Authorities are continuing to manage the aftermath as families search for news of missing loved ones.