Tragedy Strikes Philippine Waters as Ferry Fire Leaves Five Dead and 87 Missing

At least five people have lost their lives and 87 others remain missing following a devastating fire aboard a passenger ferry off Coron in the western Philippines, according to the Coast Guard.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the blaze erupted on the June Aster ferry at approximately 6:45pm local time on Wednesday while navigating waters off Coron, Palawan. The vessel had originally set sail from Manila and was making its way toward Coron when the incident occurred.

According to the ferry's manifest, there were 134 individuals on board, consisting of 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Coast Guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab confirmed that 42 individuals—comprising 38 passengers and four crew members—have been successfully rescued.

With five confirmed fatalities and 87 people still unaccounted for, Ms Cayabyab emphasized that these figures remain fluid and are subject to change as ongoing search and rescue operations progress.

Dramatic Coast Guard footage captured the June Aster ferry completely engulfed in flames as emergency responders aided survivors and managed casualties. Search and rescue units from both the Coast Guard and various local agencies were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Authorities confirmed that the exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Rescue teams pressed forward with operations on Thursday to locate the numerous individuals still missing from the vessel, while the Philippine Coast Guard appealed for information from families with loved ones aboard the ferry.