Philippine ferry fire kills 5, 87 missing: coast guard
Rescuers have pulled dozens from the burning ferry as bad weather and strong currents complicate the search for the 87 still unaccounted for.
- On Wednesday, the passenger vessel MV June Aster caught fire off Coron, Palawan, killing at least five people. The ferry was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members when the incident occurred.
- The Philippine Coast Guard responded to a 6:45 p.m. distress report, rescuing 42 people from the burning ship located 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Barangay Marcilla. Local fishermen and disaster authorities assisted in the emergency response.
- Operated by Atienza Interisland Shipping Line, the ferry had departed from Manila before catching fire. The vessel was fully engulfed in flames, prompting the coast guard to deploy oil spill response equipment as a precautionary measure.
- Survivors were temporarily brought to a covered court in Barangay Turda for assessment. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemi Cayabyab confirmed search and rescue operations continue, though authorities have not yet determined the exact number of people unaccounted for.
- Authorities have not disclosed the cause of the fire as of the time of posting. Search and rescue operations remain active while investigators work to determine why the incident occurred near the tourist destination.
302 Articles
302 Articles
134 people were travelling on board the boat, which was headed for the tourist island of Coron, in Palawan province, in the west of the archipelago
Ferry fire off Philippines claimed at least five lives A fire broke out on the <p>MV June Aster ferry near Palawan: five people died, dozens missing. 43 passengers rescued.</p>
At least five people have died and dozens are missing after a fire engulfed a passenger ferry off the western coast of the Philippines. The incident occurred on the MV June Aster ferry, near Coron town, Palawan province. According to the Philippine coast guard, 43 people have been rescued so far. There were a total of 134 people on board the ferry, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. The fire started as the ferry was approaching its de…
A fire broke out on a passenger ferry off the west coast of the Philippine island of Palawan, killing five people and leaving more than 80 missing. A massive search and rescue operation is underway, involving several vessels and rescue teams. The search is being hampered by bad weather and high waves in the area. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
