Philippines passenger ferry fire kills five, leaves several missing; watch video

A fire broke out on a passenger ferry in waters off the western Philippines, leaving dozens of people missing, the coast guard said on Thursday. At least five people have died.

So far, 42 people have been rescued, while search and rescue efforts are continuing. The number of missing people, currently estimated at 87, could change, coast guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said in a radio interview.

The ferry, MV June Aster, was travelling from Manila to Palawan when the fire broke out on Wednesday near Coron in Palawan province.


Cayabyab said 134 people were on board the vessel, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members.

Images from the scene showed coast guard personnel throwing life jackets to survivors as the ferry burned in the background. Small boats were also seen carrying survivors towards shallow waters.

Ferries are widely used for transportation across the Philippine archipelago. Maritime accidents are not uncommon in the country, with storms, poorly maintained vessels, overcrowding and weak enforcement of safety regulations contributing to the risks, particularly in remote provinces.

Read more: 5 dead, dozens missing after fire on passenger ferry in Philippines

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