At least five people have died and 87 remain missing after the passenger ferry MV June Aster caught fire off Palawan in the Philippines. The vessel was carrying 134 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members, when the blaze broke out while it was travelling from Manila toward the popular tourist destination of Coron.
So far, 42 people have been rescued, while emergency teams continue searching the surrounding waters for those still unaccounted for. The ferry remained afloat but was badly damaged by the fire, with smoke continuing to rise from the vessel.
Reports indicate the fire spread rapidly, with survivors describing chaotic scenes as passengers tried to escape the burning vessel. Rescue efforts have involved coast guard and military teams, along with local fishermen and other boats in the area.
Authorities are still investigating what caused the fire. A loud explosion was reportedly heard from the cargo area before the blaze spread, but officials have not confirmed the exact cause.
Search operations are continuing despite difficult sea conditions, as rescuers look for passengers who may have entered the water or reached nearby areas. The tragedy has also renewed concerns about maritime safety in the Philippines, where ferry travel is an important part of transportation.
For families of the missing, the search remains urgent as authorities work to locate survivors and recover those who have died. The investigation into the cause of the deadly fire is also continuing.
