Search and rescue operations have intensified off the western Philippine province of Palawan, with 84 people still unaccounted for after a passenger ferry caught fire while sailing towards the resort town of Coron.
A t least five people have died and 43 have been rescued following the fire aboard the MV June Aster, according to Philippine authorities. The ferry was travelling from Manila to Coron when the fire broke out at approximately 6:45 p.m. on 9 September. The vessel was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members, according to the passenger manifest.
Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the police Maritime Group to step up search and rescue efforts for those still missing, with additional personnel and resources being deployed to support the operation.
“Time is crucial and essential for this kind of unfortunate incident,” Nartatez said, stressing the need for a coordinated response. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) subsequently revised the number of potentially missing people from 86 to 84, after two individuals listed on the vessel’s manifest confirmed that they had not boarded the ferry.
Police units operating in coastal areas near t...