87 missing in Palawan ferry fire
A ferry fire off the coast of Palawan, Philippines, has resulted in at least five deaths and 87 people remaining unaccounted for. Search and rescue operations are currently underway for the M/V June Aster.
Why it matters
This is a significant maritime disaster that highlights ongoing safety concerns in regional ferry transport.
This screengrab of the handout video from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) taken on September 9, 2026 and received on September 10, 2026, shows the ferry that caught fire off Palawan. At least five people are dead and 87 remain unaccounted for after a ferry fire erupted near a tourist hotspot in the Philippine province of Palawan, the country’s coast guard said on September 10, 2026. (Photo by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines [Updated at 11 a.m.] — At least five people were killed and 87 remain unaccounted for after a fire erupted aboard a ferry near a tourist hotspot in the Philippine province of Palawan, the coast guard said Thursday.
The fire aboard the M/V June Aster broke out Wednesday evening about 2.2 kilometres (1.3 miles) offshore, the coast guard said, adding that five casualties had been brought ashore.
Also covering this story
5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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