Ferry fire off Philippines' Palawan leaves more than 80 people missing
A fire broke out on the ferry MV June Aster off Palawan island in the western Philippines on Wednesday night, killing five and leaving more than 80 unaccounted for. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
A ferry fire off Palawan island in the western Philippines has left five people confirmed dead and more than 80 unaccounted for, the Philippine coast guard reported.
The blaze broke out aboard the MV June Aster on Wednesday night in waters near Coron, Palawan. Forty-three people were pulled from the water and rescued. Video footage showed flames spreading across parts of the vessel while responders placed victims' bodies into bags at the scene.
Passenger count under review
Coast guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab told radio station DZXL that the ship's manifest recorded 117 passengers along with 17 crew members aboard. Comparing that total against the confirmed number of survivors and fatalities left more than 80 people still unaccounted for.
Cayabyab cautioned that these figures could still shift as search and rescue efforts continue.
The ferry had set out from the Baseco area of Manila, bound for Coron in Palawan, when the fire occurred. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the blaze.
