Philippines Ferry Fire: Five Dead, 87 Missing Near Coron

The fire began on the M/V June Aster, a passenger ferry traveling near the northern part of Palawan, close to the tourist area of Coron. The vessel had departed from Manila and was carrying over 100 passengers and crew. Early reports suggest that the blaze broke out unexpectedly, prompting an immediate emergency response from the Philippine Coast Guard.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. Videos released by authorities showed flames engulfing the ferry, with some passengers jumping into the water to escape.

On September 9, 2026, the ferry M/V June Aster caught fire while off the coast of northern Palawan. The incident happened near Coron, a popular tourist destination. Passengers and crew were forced to abandon the burning vessel, with some jumping overboard to escape the flames.

Rescue operations were quickly launched by the Philippine Coast Guard. By September 10, officials confirmed that at least five people had died in the tragedy. Authorities managed to rescue 42 people from the water and the burning ship.

However, conflicting reports emerged regarding the number of missing passengers. Some outlets stated that 87 people remained unaccounted for, while others only described 'dozens' as missing. The ferry was reported to have carried 134 people, highlighting the scale of the emergency response.

Search and rescue operations continued into the following day, with coast guard teams combing the area for survivors and recovering bodies from the sea.

As of the latest updates, five people have been confirmed dead and 42 have been rescued. Dozens are still missing, with some reports estimating as many as 87 unaccounted for. The Philippine Coast Guard continues its search and rescue operations in the waters off Palawan.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire while focusing on finding survivors and accounting for everyone who was on board.

The immediate priority remains the search for missing passengers and crew. Investigators are also working to determine how the fire started and whether safety protocols were followed on the ferry.

Further updates are expected as rescue operations progress and officials provide more information about the cause and full impact of the disaster.