At least five people have died and more than 80 remain unaccounted for after a passenger ferry caught fire off Palawan in the Philippines. The MV June Aster was travelling from Manila to Coron when the blaze broke out on Wednesday evening. The ferry had 134 people listed on its manifest, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. At least 42 people had been rescued, while the Philippine Coast Guard continued searching for those still missing. Officials said the figures could change as rescue teams work through difficult sea conditions.What Happened On The Ferry?The fire erupted aboard the MV June Aster about 2.2 kilometres offshore as the vessel approached Coron, a popular tourist destination in Palawan. Coast Guard footage showed the ferry engulfed in flames, while rescue teams and local volunteers worked to bring survivors ashore.The Coast Guard said 42 people had been rescued, including 38 passengers and four crew members, while five fatalities had been reported. Depending on the latest count, 86 or 87 people were still unaccounted for, with authorities stressing that the numbers remained provisional as the operation continued.The ferry was travelling from Manila to Coron.The vessel had 134 people listed on its manifest.At least five people were confirmed dead.More than 80 people remained unaccounted for.Search and rescue operations continued off Palawan.Fire Broke Out Near CoronThe MV June Aster departed from Manila before heading toward Coron in Palawan province. The fire began on Wednesday evening, around 2.2 kilometres from the coast, as the vessel was nearing its destination.The incident created an emergency at sea, with survivors requiring immediate rescue. Strong currents and difficult weather conditions complicated the response and caused additional challenges for teams trying to reach people from the stricken vessel.Also Read: Houthi Saudi Arabia Attacks Intensify as Makkah Defence Pact Faces TestRescue Operation Remains UnderwayThe Philippine Coast Guard, military personnel, local fishermen and other responders joined the search for missing passengers and crew. Rescuers also worked to control the fire and account for everyone listed on the ferry's manifest.Coast Guard spokesperson Noemi Cayabyab said the figures were still live and could change as rescue operations progressed. Authorities have also started investigating what caused the fire, but no official cause has been established so far.Key HighlightsFive people have been confirmed dead in the ferry fire.At least 42 people were rescued from the incident.The ferry was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members.The MV June Aster was travelling from Manila to Coron.The fire started roughly 2.2 kilometres offshore.Authorities are investigating the cause while search operations continue.Families Await NewsThe Philippines ferry fire has left families waiting for information about passengers who remain unaccounted for. The Coast Guard has continued rescue and search operations while authorities work to establish an accurate list of survivors and victims.With the casualty and missing-person figures still subject to change, officials are focusing on locating survivors and completing the rescue operation. The cause of the fire also remains under investigation, meaning authorities have not yet confirmed what triggered the blaze.Disclaimer: This article is provided only for knowledge and news-information purposes and should not be treated as an official emergency or safety advisory.
