Five Dead, Over 80 Missing After Ferry Fire Off Philippine Coast

At least five people have died and more than 80 remain missing after a ferry caught fire off Palawan island in the western Philippines on Wednesday night, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The blaze broke out aboard the MV June Aster in waters near Coron, prompting an emergency rescue response.

Dozens Rescued Amid Ongoing Search Effort

Forty-three people were rescued on Wednesday night following the fire, with footage released by the Coast Guard showing flames engulfing sections of the vessel as responders worked to recover victims. A Coast Guard spokesperson said the ferry’s manifest listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members, meaning more than 80 people remain unaccounted for based on current survivor and fatality figures.

Rescue Operation Continues as Numbers May Shift

Officials cautioned that the count of missing individuals could change as search and rescue efforts continue. The ferry had departed from Baseco in Manila and was en route to Coron, Palawan, at the time the fire broke out.