At Least Five Dead and Dozens Missing in Philippine Ferry Fire
At least five people were killed and over 80 are missing after a fire broke out aboard a passenger ship off the coast of the Philippines carrying 134 people.
A fatal maritime disaster occurred in the Philippines after a fire broke out overnight between Wednesday and Thursday aboard a passenger vessel carrying 134 people in the western part of the country. The tragedy took place on the MV June Aster, which was sailing from Manila to Coron in Palawan province as it approached its destination. According to current reports, at least five people were killed and more than 80 remain missing. The Philippine Coast Guard stated that 43 individuals were rescued from the waters during the night operations. According to the ferry manifests, 117 passengers and 17 crew members were on board, and coast guard officials clarified that these numbers may change as search and rescue efforts for the missing continue. Footage released by rescue forces shows massive flames engulfing parts of the ship alongside the recovery of bodies from the scene. The circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the fire are currently under investigation.
