Five Killed, 87 Missing After MV June Aster Ferry Fire Off Palawan
At least five people have died after the passenger ferry MV June Aster caught fire in waters off Coron, Palawan, in the Philippines, on Wednesday evening. The vessel was engulfed in flames while sailing toward Coron.
The ferry was carrying 134 people — 117 passengers and 17 crew members, according to its manifest. Philippine Coast Guard officials said 42 people had been rescued, leaving 87 initially unaccounted for. Authorities stressed that the figures could change as the search continues.
The fire broke out roughly 2.2 kilometres offshore near Barangay Marcilla in Coron. Coast Guard footage showed the vessel heavily engulfed in flames, while rescuers and local fishermen helped survivors reach safety.
Search-and-rescue operations remain underway, with Coast Guard units and local emergency agencies working to locate missing passengers. Strong sea conditions and currents are complicating the operation.
The identities of the five fatalities have not yet been confirmed. Authorities are also investigating what caused the fire; no definitive explanation has been given so far.
The tragedy has prompted renewed attention to safety standards for passenger ferries in the Philippines, where sea transport is an important part of travel between the country’s many islands. For now, authorities are focused on the continuing rescue effort and accounting for everyone who was aboard.
