5 dead, scores missing in Philippine ferry fire

According to reports from the Philippine Coast Guard, a major maritime incident occurred off the coast of Palawan island on Wednesday night when a ferry caught fire. The vessel, identified as the MV June Aster, was traveling from Baseco port in Metro Manila to Coron when it became engulfed in flames approximately 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Barangay Marcilla.

Initial rescue operations, led by the Philippine Coast Guard, resulted in the recovery of dozens of survivors from the water. While early reports indicated five fatalities, subsequent updates from international wire services have noted that the death toll has risen to 35 as search and recovery teams continue to navigate the site. The vessel's manifest reportedly listed 117 passengers on board at the time of the incident.

Authorities have deployed multiple coast guard vessels and private ships to the area to conduct a search for those still missing. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by maritime officials. This incident marks a significant tragedy for the region, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding maritime safety and emergency response capabilities in the Philippine archipelago.