A fire that broke out Wednesday evening on a passenger ferry in the Philippines has left at least five people dead and dozens missing, according to the Philippine coast guard. The MV June Aster, carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew, was sailing from Manila to Coron in Palawan province when the blaze ignited around 6:45 p.m. near its destination.
As of Thursday midday, 43 people had been rescued, and search and rescue operations were ongoing, with coast guard ships, military vessels, and private boats involved. A radio broadcast alerted nearby ships to look for survivors, and coastal villages were alerted in case any passengers drifted ashore.
Images from the rescue efforts showed personnel tossing life jackets to survivors as smoke billowed from the ferry. Passengers were transferred to smaller boats, and body bags were visible at a port.
The ferry was about 4 nautical miles off Coron when it sent a distress signal, but strong sea currents had pushed it further out to sea. Rescuers faced challenges due to bad weather and large waves.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, though one survivor suggested it may have started in the cargo hold. The coast guard is coordinating with the shipping company and maritime authorities for further details. There was no immediate information regarding any foreign nationals on board.
Ferries are a vital mode of transportation in the Philippines, an archipelago nation. Sea accidents are not uncommon, often attributed to storms, poorly maintained vessels, overcrowding, and inconsistent enforcement of safety regulations, particularly in remote areas. The Philippines has a history of deadly maritime incidents, including the 1987 sinking of the Dona Paz, which resulted in over 4,300 fatalities, making it the world's deadliest peacetime maritime disaster.