84 Missing, Five Dead After Ferry Catches Fire Near Philippines’ Coron

The MV June Aster, which was travelling from Manila, caught fire on Wednesday evening while sailing about 7.4 km from Turda village near Coron in Palawan province. The blaze spread rapidly, forcing passengers to escape into the sea.

Coast guard personnel, other vessels, fishermen and volunteers have rescued 43 people, with some survivors pulled from the water as the ferry burned. Rescue teams initially struggled to enter the vessel because of intense heat and heavy smoke.

Firefighters were able to board the badly damaged ferry on Friday after conditions improved. Authorities planned to inspect the interior for possible additional victims while divers and other teams continued searching nearby waters.

Survivor Arnulfo Nokki Villanueva said he suffered burns on his back as the fire spread. He described scenes of panic, saying he could not reach a life jacket because passengers were scrambling to escape. He eventually managed to jump through a window.

The vessel’s manifest listed 134 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Two passengers later told authorities they had not boarded, bringing the number officially listed as missing to 84.

Two Chilean tourists were among the survivors and were receiving treatment at a hospital in Coron. No other foreign nationals were known to have been aboard.

Authorities said survivor accounts indicated that two explosions were heard before the fire intensified. The ferry was also carrying vehicles and cargo.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The shipping company said it was cooperating with maritime authorities and assisting victims and their families.