A passenger ferry traveling from Manila to a popular tourist destination in the western Philippines caught fire at sea, killing at least five people and leaving more than 80 unaccounted for. The vessel was carrying 134 people when the blaze erupted, and rescue teams have so far pulled 43 survivors from the water.
The MV June Aster was en route to Coron in Palawan province when the fire broke out. According to the Philippine Coast Guard's passenger manifest, there were 117 passengers and 17 crew members aboard. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for those still missing.
A survivor told coast guard officials that a powerful explosion emanated from the cargo hold area before flames rapidly engulfed the vessel. Several people rescued from the water were not wearing life jackets, suggesting some passengers may have been forced to jump overboard as the fire spread quickly through the ferry.
Video footage released by the coast guard shows the vessel completely consumed by flames and thick black smoke. Hours after the initial outbreak, smoke continued to rise from the charred hull. Extreme heat and the risk of further explosions have prevented rescue workers from boarding the damaged ferry.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities confirmed that the ferry had passed safety inspections and that its cargo hold contained five motorcycles, an electric vehicle, a forklift, and a pickup truck. The coast guard has launched a comprehensive inquiry, though no determination has yet been made regarding what sparked the blaze.
