A major maritime disaster has unfolded in the western Philippines after a ferry caught fire on Wednesday night, leaving five people confirmed dead and more than 80 others missing. The vessel, identified as the MV June Aster, was traveling from Baseco in Manila to Coron, Palawan, when the blaze broke out in waters off the island.
According to the Philippine coast guard, 43 people have been successfully rescued from the burning ferry. Coast guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab told DZXL radio that the vessel's manifest listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Based on the current count of survivors and fatalities, officials estimate that over 80 people remain unaccounted for, though Cayabyab noted that these figures might change as the rescue operation continues.
Footage from the scene captured flames engulfing sections of the vessel as emergency responders worked to recover victims, with some being placed in body bags. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
