Ferry fire leaves five dead and dozens missing off the coast of Palawan

A passenger ferry named MV June Aster caught fire on Wednesday night off the coast of Coron, Palawan, in the western Philippines, resulting in at least five deaths and leaving more than 80 people unaccounted for. The vessel, which had departed from Baseco in Manila, carried 117 passengers and 17 crew members according to its official manifest. While 43 individuals were rescued shortly after the incident, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that the number of missing persons remains high as search efforts continue.

Rescue operations are currently being conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard using multiple vessels and drift-modelling tools to track potential survivor locations. Authorities stated that they have not yet been able to board the ferry due to thick smoke, extreme heat, and the ongoing risk of explosions. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation as responders continue to scour the area for survivors. Officials have warned that the casualty figures may fluctuate as the mission progresses.