5 dead, over 80 missing after passenger ferry catches fire off Philippines

The fire broke out aboard the MV June Aster on Wednesday night as the vessel was sailing towards Coron in Palawan province. The ferry had departed from Baseco in Manila.

In Short

• The blaze erupted Wednesday night as the vessel sailed towards Coron
• The MV June Aster had departed earlier from Baseco in Manila
• The ferry's manifest recorded 117 passengers and 17 crew members

At least five people were killed and more than 80 remain unaccounted for after a passenger ferry caught fire in waters off Palawan in the Philippines, the country's Coast Guard said on Thursday.

The fire broke out aboard the MV June Aster on Wednesday night as it was sailing towards Coron in Palawan province. The ferry had departed from Baseco in Manila.

The vessel’s manifest listed 134 people on board — 117 passengers and 17 crew members, Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said.

Forty-two people had been rescued so far, while the search and rescue operation was continuing. Cayabyab said the figure of 87 people missing could change as the operation progresses.

The Coast Guard released footage showing flames engulfing parts of the ferry, while rescuers were seen placing bodies in body bags.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Coast Guard said rescue efforts were continuing in the waters off Coron.

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(With Reuters inputs)