MV June Aster ferry fire off Palawan kills 5, leaves 87 missing

At least five people have died and 87 are listed as missing after a fire broke out aboard the passenger ferry MV June Aster off the coast of Palawan province in the Philippines, authorities said. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing as crews attempt to account for those unaccounted for. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/6714628c11e1fafab17d93b8eece2aad?utm_source=openai))

Philippine Coast Guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab said that so far 42 people have been pulled from the water or rescued from the vessel. The ferry had been en route from Manila to Coron when the blaze erupted about two kilometers from shore late Wednesday. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/6714628c11e1fafab17d93b8eece2aad?utm_source=openai))

Authorities said the ship’s manifest listed 134 people aboard, while local reports have given a breakdown of 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Officials warned the numbers could change as rescue teams continue to search and recover survivors and victims. ([news.tv5.com.ph](https://news.tv5.com.ph/local/read/5-dead-more-than-80-missing-after-ferry-fire?utm_source=openai))

Rescue effort and probe

The coast guard, fire service and nearby vessels — including military and civilian boats — joined the rescue operation, assisted by local volunteers and fishermen who came to help. Investigators have opened an inquiry into the cause of the blaze and whether safety regulations were violated, including possible overloading and whether all passengers were provided with life jackets. ([channelnewsasia.com](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippine-ferry-kills-missing-palawan-6374296?utm_source=openai))

Coron, on the island of Busuanga, is a well-known international tourist destination famed for beaches, limestone scenery and diving sites. Local authorities have set up temporary reception points for rescued passengers as they process survivors and coordinate family notifications. ([channelnewsasia.com](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippine-ferry-kills-missing-palawan-6374296?utm_source=openai))

Search-and-rescue teams warned that casualty and missing counts may be revised as operations continue through the day. Officials said they would release further updates as more information becomes available. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/6714628c11e1fafab17d93b8eece2aad?utm_source=openai))

Photo: press material from the event