At least five people have died and more than 85 others are missing after a fire broke out on a passenger ferry in a crowded tourist area in the Philippines.
The country’s Coast Guard said the M/V June Aster caught fire 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Coron at about 6:45pm on Wednesday.
So far, 43 people have been rescued, Philippine Coast Guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemi Kyayapap told The Associated Press.
ScreenshotsThe photo shared by local authorities shows large parts of the ship engulfed in flames and survivors being pulled from the water into rescue boats. Officials were also filmed holding up life jackets to survivors as they directed them into shallow water.
The Philippine Coast Guard also shared several photos of black body bags placed in what appears to be a port.
Authorities wrote in a Facebook update on Thursday that the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
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The Associated Press reported that bad weather and high waves posed a challenge to rescue efforts, noting that the ship was drifting at a steady pace.
The ferry was about four nautical miles (7.4 kilometers) off the village of Turda when it sent a distress signal, but strong currents have since pulled it 7.68 nautical miles (14.2 kilometers) off Turda.
Cayaby said the ferry remained afloat on Thursday, with smoke still rising from the burning ship by noon.
The remains of the ferry MV June Aster are seen after a fire broke out on board the ship in the waters off Palawan, Philippines, on September 10, 2026.
Philippine Coast Guard/Bulletin/Anatolia via Getty Images
Cayaby said authorities are still working to confirm reports that there were two foreigners on board, verifying the names on the cargo manifest and coordinating with local officials and the shipping company on the identities of the dead, survivors and those still missing.
According to the Associated Press, the statement said 134 people were on board: 117 passengers and 17 crew members. The ship was capable of carrying 306 passengers and 27 crew members.
Rescuers tried to board the ship, but thick smoke made it difficult to approach it.
“Our goal now is to enter the ship,” Cayaby said.
She also indicated that it is not clear what caused the fire or where it started on the ferry, explaining that one of the survivors said that it may have originated in the cargo hold.
Cayaby said the Philippine Coast Guard is coordinating with the shipping company and maritime authorities to obtain more details.
She added that search and rescue efforts were suspended on Thursday evening local time, and were scheduled to resume in the morning.
She added that the survivor reported a strong explosion, immediately followed by smoke and fire.
“According to the survivor’s testimony, everything happened quickly; within seconds the fire spread.”
The Philippine Coast Guard was joined by a military ship, other government boats, volunteers and fishermen in the search and rescue operation on Thursday.
A radio call was also made to nearby ships to search for passengers who may be in the water. The Philippine Coast Guard is also coordinating with coastal villages in case some passengers wash ashore.
The ferry had left Manila and was close to its destination Coron in Palawan province when it caught fire. The night flight takes about 13 hours.
Coron, where the ship was headed, is a popular and sought-after tourist destination due to its clear waters, jagged cliffs and distinctive rock formations.
-With files from The Associated Press
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