Philippine Ferry Catches Fire Off Palawan; At Least 5 Dead, 87 Missing
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A passenger ferry caught fire off the Philippines' Palawan Province on Wednesday evening, September 9, leaving at least five people dead and 87 others missing. The MV June Aster was travelling from Manila's Baseco Port to Coron Island when the blaze erupted around 6pm local time, approximately 1.2 nautical miles from its destination . Philippine Coast Guard rescue teams have so far rescued 42 survivors, with the vessel reportedly completely destroyed by flames . The coast guard released footage showing the ship partially engulfed in fire, with rescue personnel placing bodies in body bags .
Key Points
- The ferry MV June Aster departed from Baseco Port in Manila with 117 passengers and 17 crew members, totaling 134 people on board
- Fire broke out around 6pm on Wednesday approximately 1.2 nautical miles from Coron Island, Palawan Province
- Philippine Coast Guard confirmed five deaths and 87 people remain unaccounted for as rescue operations continue
- Coast Guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab stated the passenger manifest shows 117 passengers and 17 crew aboard the vessel
- Rescue teams have saved 42 survivors; the ferry was completely burned according to photos released by Philippine authorities
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the persistent safety concerns surrounding maritime travel in the Philippines, an archipelago nation where ferries remain a vital mode of transportation between its thousands of islands. With over 87 people still missing, the search and rescue operation represents an urgent humanitarian crisis, while the destruction of the vessel complicates efforts to determine the cause of the blaze. The incident also underscores the importance of rigorous safety inspections and emergency protocols for passenger vessels navigating Philippine waters .
The incident highlights the persistent safety concerns surrounding maritime travel in the Philippines, an archipelago nation where ferries remain a vital mode of transportation between its thousands of islands. With over 87 people still missing, the search and rescue operation represents an urgent humanitarian crisis, while the destruction of the vessel complicates efforts to determine the cause of the blaze. The incident also underscores the importance of rigorous safety inspections and emergency protocols for passenger vessels navigating Philippine waters .