At least five people have died and 86 remain unaccounted for after a fire broke out on the passenger ferry MV June Aster off the coast of Palawan, Philippines, on Wednesday evening. Commodore Noemie Cayabyab of the Philippine Coast Guard reported 43 people have been rescued from the vessel, which was traveling from Manila to Coron when the fire began around 6:45 p.m. local time. The fire was extinguished, but the ferry is listing.
The Coast Guard is continuing search and rescue operations, utilizing ships, boats, and assistance from local fishermen and volunteers. Images show passengers being helped into smaller boats and bodies being placed in body bags. The ship’s manifest listed 134 people onboard – 117 passengers and 17 crew members – and authorities have not yet received information about any foreigners being among those traveling.
Survivors reported hearing a loud explosion from the cargo hold followed by smoke and rapidly spreading flames. Rescuers faced challenges due to darkness, strong waves, and currents that dragged the vessel 7.68 nautical miles from its initial distress signal location near Turda. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the Coast Guard coordinating with the shipping company and maritime authorities.
This incident adds to a pattern of sea accidents in the Philippines, where storms, poorly maintained vessels, overcrowding, and lax safety enforcement are common. In January, a ferry carrying over 340 people sank, resulting in at least 52 deaths, and in 2023, 31 people died in a similar ferry fire. The MV June Aster had passed its pre-departure safety inspection, according to the Coast Guard.
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