Five dead and 86 missing as fire breaks out on ferry in the Philippines
A ferry fire near the Philippines tourist hotspot of Coron has resulted in at least five deaths and 86 missing passengers. Rescue operations are ongoing despite challenging conditions, with survivors being treated at local medical facilities.
Why it matters
This maritime disaster highlights significant safety concerns in regional ferry transport and the ongoing risks to civilian travel in the Philippines.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Virma Simonette Rivera , Manila and Kelly Ng Watch: What we know about the fatal Philippines ferry fire At least five people have died and 86 are missing after a fire broke out on a ferry in the Philippines, the country's coastguard said.
The MV June Aster, which set off from Manila ferrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members, was nearing its destination at the tourist hotspot of Coron when it caught fire.
The blaze, which erupted at 18:45 local time (10:45 GMT) Wednesday, was still burning as of 11:00 on Thursday. The strong currents and thick smoke were a challenge to those working to extinguish it, the coastguard said.
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