Ferry Fire in Philippines Leaves 5 Dead, 87 Missing
Quick Look
- At least five people were killed and 87 remain missing after a ferry caught fire off the coast of Coron, Palawan, Philippines, on Wednesday evening.
- The MV June Aster, carrying 134 people, was en route from Manila when it ignited.
- Forty-two were rescued, including 38 passengers and four crew.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The MV June Aster was traveling from Baseco in Manila to Coron, Palawan, when it caught fire. The vessel had 134 people on board according to its manifest.
At least five people were killed and 87 are missing after a ferry caught fire in the Philippine province of Palawan, the Coast Guard said on Thursday.
The incident aboard the MV June Aster occurred on Wednesday evening about 2.2 kilometers (1.3 miles) off the shore of the municipality of Coron, where it was headed after departing from Baseco in Manila.
Coast Guard officials said 42 people had been rescued, including 38 passengers and four crew members.
Footage released by the Coast Guard showed the vessel engulfed in flames, and bodies placed in body bags.
The ship's manifest listed 134 people onboard, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.
"Based on the data we have right now on rescued (42) and the casualties, we still have 87 people who are unaccounted for," Coast Guard Captain Noemi Cayabyab said on Thursday, adding that the figures could change as search and rescue operations continued.
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Edited by: Sean Sinico
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Search and rescue operations will continue for several more days as authorities attempt to locate the 87 missing individuals.
Very likely · Within days
An official investigation into the cause of the fire will be launched by Philippine maritime authorities.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What caused the fire on the MV June Aster?
- Are there any survivors still unaccounted for in the water or on nearby islands?
- What safety measures were in place on the ferry prior to the incident?
- Will there be an official investigation into the maritime accident?
