At least five people killed, 87 missing as ferry catches fire in Philippines
A ferry fire off the coast of Palawan in the Philippines has resulted in at least five deaths and dozens of missing passengers. Rescue operations are currently underway, though they are being hampered by poor weather and smoke.
Why it matters
This is a major maritime disaster that highlights safety concerns in regional ferry transport and requires urgent humanitarian response.
At least five people are dead and scores missing after a ferry fire in the Philippine province of Palawan.
The coast guard says 43 people have been rescued and that the ship's manifest showed 134 passengers and crew were aboard.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Link copied Share Share article At least five people are dead and 87 remain unaccounted-for after a fire erupted aboard a ferry near a tourist hotspot in the Philippines province of Palawan, officials say.
The fire aboard the MV June Aster broke out on Wednesday evening, local time, 2.2 kilometres offshore, the coast guard said, adding that five casualties had been brought ashore.
Video shared by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on social media showed the ferry completely engulfed by flames.
Video showed the ferry ablaze off the coast of Palawan. ( Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)/AFP )
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